Squamous cell carcinoma of tongue with isolated inguinal node metastasis: A case report and literature review

Most of the patients with squamous cell carcinoma of tongue present with distant metastasis to lung, bone, and liver. However, some rare presentation of tongue cancer metastasizing to cutaneous, cardiac, and axillary lymph nodes has been reported. We present a case of 55-year-old man diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of right lateral border of tongue, underwent right hemiglossectomy and right modified neck dissection, levels 1–5 with pathological staging pT2N0M0 (AJCC 8th edition) followed by adjuvant radiotherapy to a total dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions. After 6-month post-treatment, the patient presented with right inguinal swelling which was associated with pain. Ultrasonography of the groin region confirmed lymphadenopathy and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from lymph node came out as metastatic deposits of squamous cell carcinoma. Positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) showed isolated right inguinal lymph node metastasis. He underwent right inguinal block dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Hence, isolated inguinal node metastasis is extremely rare but possible. Patient should be examined thoroughly during follow-up.