An unusual site of metastasis from carcinoma of tongue – metastasis to lumbar vertebrae: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Carcinoma of tongue is a common site of oral cancer. It usually occurs at mean age of 61.1 years and is more common in males when compared with females. It commonly spreads directly and through lymphatics to the surrounding structures. It has a low incidence of hematogenous metastasis. Lung is the usual distant metastasis site for carcinoma of tongue and other head and neck cancers. Metastases to vertebrae are rare and very few cases have been reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a rare case of carcinoma of tongue spreading to lumbar vertebrae causing destruction of the body and thecal sac compression. A patient underwent posterior transpedicular approach, tumor decompression, and titanium cage placement. The patient had good relief of symptoms and could be mobilized on first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Hematogenous spread to the spine is a rare phenomenon but should be kept in mind particularly in advanced stage of oral cancers.