Serial suture ligation glossectomy for squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of a massive lymphovascular malformation.

BACKGROUND We describe a novel surgical technique for resection of squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of a massive tongue lymphovascular malformation (LVM). METHODS AND RESULTS A 75-year-old man with a history of long-standing massive LVM of the tongue presented with a 4-cm squamous cell carcinoma of the involved oral tongue. Given the aberrant vascular anatomy of this lesion, traditional surgical treatment could not be undertaken. Therefore, serial suture ligation was performed over a 2-week period, allowing complete excision of the squamous cell carcinoma and a large portion of the tongue LVM with minimal morbidity. Return to preoperative functional status was likewise achieved. CONCLUSION Serial suture ligation glossectomy is a simple and effective technique for treating the uncommon case of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in the setting of a massive LVM.