Adenosquamous carcinoma of the tongue: A case report and an overview of histogenetic concepts

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma, is an aggressive and highly infiltrating epithelial neoplasm, which has a distinct histomorphological features comprising simultaneous areas of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Some researchers consider it as a controversial neoplasm, as it may arise from the ducts of the minor salivary gland or from the overlying surface epithelium. In the head-and-neck region, commonly affected sites include paranasal sinuses, larynx and oral cavity. Areas of occurrence in the oral cavity include palate, tonsillar pillar areas, tongue and floor of the mouth. The prognosis of the neoplasm is considered poor due to its early recurrence, local and distant metastasis and low survival rate. This article reports a case of ASC affecting the posterior part of the tongue in a 50-year-old male patient and an overview of its histogenetic concepts.