Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of the Sublingual Gland: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma represents only 0.4% of salivary gland neoplasms. Generally affecting the parotid gland, it has been reported only twice in the sublingual gland. Controversies concerning the treatment of lymphoepithelial carcinoma exist. Although the literature generally agrees that primary surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy is part of the treatment, the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy is not well described. This report describes the case of a 55-year-old man diagnosed with lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the sublingual gland. The patient was admitted for progressive pain in the floor of the mouth associated with trismus. Biopsy examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the sublingual gland and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple left lymphadenopathies. Surgery consisted of a radical neck dissection type III, surgical resection of the floor of the mouth, and reconstruction with a left facial artery musculomucosal flap. The patient received adjuvant radiotherapy (60 Gy) and adjuvant chemotherapy (3 cycles of cisplatinum 100 mg/m2). The patient was disease free at 36 months of follow-up. The evidence base for administering adjuvant chemotherapy in this situation is discussed.