Bilateral Metachronous Tongue Carcinoma Repeatedly Developing Over 42 Years: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Background Metachronous oral squamous cell carcinomas may develop within a persistent field of cancerization, and the risk of additional primaries extends beyond the conventional follow‐up period. Case Presentation A 38‐year‐old man developed 10 subsequent metachronous squamous cell carcinomas after initial mucoepidermoid carcinoma on the bilateral lateral tongue over 42 years. After initial treatment for mucoepidermoid carcinoma with nodal metastasis, subsequent lesions were detected at early stages, mainly triggered by the patient's reports of subtle symptoms, and were treated by local excision. Conclusion This case emphasizes the importance of long‐term surveillance that prioritizes patient‐reported symptoms, facilitating early detection and functional preservation.