[Primary squamous epithelial cancer of the sublingual gland. A case report]

Primary neoplasms of the sublingual glands are very rare. We describe our experience in managing a case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the sublingual gland, including differential diagnoses and therapy. Radical resection of the primary tumor was performed with bilateral supraomohyoid neck dissections. This was followed by postoperative radiotherapy that included the field of the draining lymph nodes (total dose 56 Gy). During a 3-year follow up period the patient was still tumor-free. We suggest--in concurrence with the literature--the use of this combined therapy in cases of malignant neoplasms of the minor salivary glands.