Hyalinizing Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Base of the Tongue: A Case Report and Literature Review

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) is a rare low-grade malignant tumor composed of clear cytoplasmic cells. It mainly arises from the minor salivary glands of the oral cavity and oropharynx of the head and neck region. As a relatively slow-growing tumor, the main symptom of HCCC is indolent discomfort associated with enlargement and little local pain. This report presents a 33-year-old female patient with HCCC at the base of the tongue and reviews 12 cases of HCCC occurring at the base of the tongue with a surgical procedure in detail. In most cases, excision was performed using the mandibulotomy or a transcervical approach. However, it was a small, low-grade malignant tumor in this case, and the transoral approach was adopted. This minimally invasive procedure allows early oral intake and a short hospitalization period. The oral method is also considered a useful surgical approach for treating HCCC of the base of the tongue.