A rare case of hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the tongue root: A case report and literature review

The present study describes a rare case of hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) of the tongue root and provides an analysis and review of the relevant literature to improve the understanding of its diagnosis and treatment. Clinical imaging and pathological data from a patient with primary HCCC of the tongue root were summarized, and previously published studies were reviewed through a literature search. The common symptoms, treatment strategies and prognoses reported in the literature were compared. A total of 16 cases of primary HCCC of the tongue were retrieved. Histologically, these cases had tumors characterized by clear cells arranged in sheets, nests and cords within the fibrous interstitium surrounding tumor cells, with round to oval cell nuclei occasionally containing small or inconspicuous nucleoli. Immunohistochemistry showed positive tumor cell staining for cytokeratin (CK)5/6, CK7 and p63, and negative for S-100, smooth muscle actin and calponin. Clinical symptoms included dysphagia, a painless mass, tongue root ulceration and a foreign body sensation in the throat. Treatment strategies included surgery, radiation therapy, repair and reconstruction, with no local recurrence or metastasis at any follow-up point. The present findings indicated that HCCC of the salivary glands is an inert malignant tumor, and a good prognosis can be achieved with both surgical resection and radiation therapy.