Advanced Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Posterior-Lateral Border of the Tongue Invading the Floor of the Mouth

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common cancer of the oral cavity. It mainly affects patients aged over 50 with male-to-female ratio 2:1. Most of the cases of oral SCC are linked to tobacco and alcohol use. OBJECTIVE: In this report, we present a case of a 67-year-old male with a mass on the posterior-lateral border of the tongue. CASE REPORT: In this report, we present a case of a 67-yearold male with a mass on the posterior-lateral border of the tongue. Being heavy smoker and alcoholic since a young age, he was at high-risk of developing oral cancer. After thorough clinical, histopathological, and imaging assessments a poorly differentiated stage III (T3, N1, M0) SCC was confirmed. He underwent left hemiglossectomy with marginal mandibulectomy and radical neck dissection followed by radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: SCCs of the tongue can be often asymptomatic and identified at advanced phase leading to a poor prognosis. Therefore, their early diagnosis/management, and regular postoperative follow-ups are mandatory for better treatment outcome and recurrence prevention.