Glossopyrosis due to adenoid cystic carcinoma

Glossopyrosis and glossodynia may occur from local or systemic factors or from any irritation along the course of the lingual nerve. Although cylindroma is relatively rare, it must be considered along with other malignant lesions when neurologic symptoms of burning and pain of the tongue persist. Examination of the lesion is best carried out as multiple needle biopsies rather than as open biopsy, in order to avoid seeding of the skin and lymphatics of the neck. Recurrences are frequent and, because of the slow growth, there must be a long follow-up period. Metastases to the lung and brain, although late, occur in large numbers of patients. Best results are obtained by a combination of radiation therapy and operation because the infiltration is so extensive that operation alone may not eliminate the tumor completely.