Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of tongue - Devil in garbs of Hodgkin lymphoma: A case report and review of literature

• Published in: Journal of cancer research and therapeutics Vol. 20; no. 1; pp. 445 - 449
• Main Authors: Karki, Diksha, Kamboj, Meenakshi, Pasricha, Sunil, Mandal, Ghanashyam, Yadav, Vishal, Arora, Vikas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2024; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd
• Edition: 2
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Case Report; Case studies; Diagnosis; Lymphomas; Metastasis; Oral cancer; Radiation therapy; Squamous cell carcinoma; Tongue cancer; India; tongue; Epstein-Barr virus; lymphoepithelial carcinoma
• ISSN: 0973-1482; 1998-4138; 1998-4138
• DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1559_22

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) of head and neck region predominantly arises in salivary gland, oral cavity, oropharynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and larynx; those arising from tongue are rare. Morphologically, it is a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, with early regional and distant metastasis. Diagnosis of LEC can sometimes be challenging especially in small biopsy and more so when seen at unusual location. Combination of morphology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) helps the diagnosis. Herein, we report a rare third case of LEC arising from lateral border tongue, diagnosed in a 36-year-old male. The presented case highlights challenges faced during diagnosis in small biopsy. Treatment of LECs comprises of surgery followed by radiotherapy or combined chemoradiation. Though, almost 70% of LEC of oral cavity region present with cervical nodal metastasis, their prognosis remains favorable.