Cardiac metastasis after squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue

Am J Otolaryngol. 2009 May-Jun;30(3):206-8. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2008.03.008. Epub 2008 Oct 1.

Abstract

Objectives: Metastases to the heart are rare. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue secondarily complicated with cardiac metastasis 6 months after surgical treatment resulted in successful local control.

Methods: The lesion was found using computerized axial tomography in a patient with minimal cardiologic symptoms.

Results: The patient died shortly due to complications of his metastatic disease. No curative treatment was possible.

Conclusions: Cardiac metastasis should be suspected when new cardiovascular symptoms are observed in patients with a history of head and neck neoplasm. The prognosis of the condition typically is inevitably fatal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy
  • Echocardiography
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Glossectomy
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / therapy