A case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the submandibular gland responding to chemoradiotherapy

Abstract

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the submandibular gland is extremely rare. Although surgical resection is recommended for the initial treatment of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the submandibular gland, postoperative loss of oral and maxillofacial function with tumor growth represents a significant concern. We report the case of a patient with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the submandibular gland that responded to chemoradiotherapy. A 72-year-old man was referred to our department with swelling in the right submandibular region. Tissue biopsy resulted in a histopathological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The patient declined surgery and selected chemoradiotherapy, which proved effective. However, salvage surgery was performed for residual tumor at the primary site. Negative results were obtained for CRTC1/MAML2 fusion, so the diagnosis was primary squamous cell carcinoma of the submandibular gland. Careful follow-up is important because patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the submandibular gland has a poor prognosis.