Tongue squamous cell carcinoma treated by 5-aminolevulinic acid administrated through Microdrop method

Postoperative recurrence of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) has always been a clinical problem for patients and doctors. Surgery and radiotherapy are the main treatment methods for TSCC, but reoperation often leads to functional impairment. Side effects of radiotherapy include mucosal gland damage, dry mouth, weakened or lost taste. Improved treatment is needed.

To evaluate the clinical outcome of a patient with TSCC treated with Microdrop aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic treatment (PDT) twice.

ALA was dissolved in 5 % lidocaine and the concentration of ALA was 20 % by Microdrop method. Then, the tumor tissue was expanded 1 cm outward, and the injection points were evenly distributed with an upper and lower left and right interval of 2-3 mm. The 1 ml syringe was used to perform the injection in the skin of the tumor area, and there was a small cuticle at each injection point. A pathologically confirmed patient with TSCC received twice Microdrop ALA-PDT treatments, which were evaluated at 1 month and 4 months later.

After 3 h of Microdrop ALA injection, the wavelength of semiconductor laser was set to 630 nm, and the energy of 300 mW /cm² was irradiated for 30 min. After two treatments, the lesions were not visible, and no recurrence occurred after 4 months of follow-up. The patient's tongue function was well preserved and the cosmetic effect was good.

Microdrop ALA-PDT may be effective in the salvage treatment of select tongue squamous cell carcinoma.