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Rampi A, Tettamanti A, Bertotto I, Comini LV, Howardson BO, Luparello P, Di Santo D, Bondi S. Atypical Tongue Abscesses Mimicking Submucosal Malignancies: A Review of the Literature Focusing on Diagnostic Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5871. [PMID: 38136415 PMCID: PMC10741429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tongue abscesses are rare conditions that usually follow mucosal disruption due to mechanical trauma or foreign body impaction. They typically manifest abruptly as a rapidly growing, hard mass or swelling in the context of tongue muscles; the patient frequently complains of pain, difficulties in swallowing or speaking, and fever. Nonetheless, the features of its presentation, together with accurate clinical evaluation, blood tests, and appropriate imaging tests, are usually sufficient to easily discern a tongue abscess from a malignancy. However, in rare cases, they may occur with slowly progressing and subtle symptoms, nuanced objective and laboratory findings, and inconclusive radiological evidence, leading to difficult differential diagnosis with submucosal malignancy. Herein, we review the literature, available on Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus, on publications reporting tongue abscesses, with atypical presentation suggesting an oral tumor. Our review confirms that tongue abscesses may manifest as a slowly growing and moderately painful swelling without purulent discharge and minimal mucosal inflammation; in this case, they may constitute an actual diagnostic challenge with potentially severe impact on correct management. Atypical tongue abscesses must therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of tongue malignancy with submucosal extension, even when other diagnostic elements suggest a neoplasia; in this case, a deep biopsy under general anesthesia is essential for differential diagnosis, and simultaneous drainage of the necrotic and abscessual material may resolve the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rampi
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Division of Head and Neck Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (A.T.); (B.O.H.)
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Tettamanti
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Division of Head and Neck Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (A.T.); (B.O.H.)
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bertotto
- Radiology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy;
| | - Lara Valentina Comini
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Head and Neck Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy; (L.V.C.); (P.L.); (D.D.S.)
| | - Bright Oworae Howardson
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Division of Head and Neck Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (A.T.); (B.O.H.)
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Luparello
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Head and Neck Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy; (L.V.C.); (P.L.); (D.D.S.)
| | - Davide Di Santo
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Head and Neck Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy; (L.V.C.); (P.L.); (D.D.S.)
| | - Stefano Bondi
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Head and Neck Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy; (L.V.C.); (P.L.); (D.D.S.)
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Bal KK, Gür H, Demir I, Ismi O, Vayisoglu Y, Gorur K, Ozcan C, Unal M. Mortal condition in an unusual localization, analysis of isolated tongue and tongue base abscesses. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:7778-7784. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i32.7778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tongue abscess (TA) is a very rare clinical condition and its treatment is very important. Surgical drainage is at the forefront in the treatment. Our study includes patients with tongue and tongue base abscesses.
AIM To discuss the clinical and laboratory findings of these patients emphasizing the underlying causes and treatment options with the largest patient series in the English literature.
METHODS We included patients with isolated TA who applied to our clinic between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2023. Those who lack the recorded data, those who are not between the ages of 18-66, those who have not undergone surgery-interventional procedure, and those who have infection and/or abscess in another place were excluded from the study.
RESULTS There were two female (18%) and nine male (82%) patients in our series consisting of 11 patients. Their ages ranged from 18 to 66, and the mean ± SD was 48.63 ± 16.3. Considering the localization of the abscess, three anterior abscesses (27%), two lateral abscesses (18%), and six abscesses at the base of the tongue (54%) were detected.
CONCLUSION Tongue abscesses can cause acute upper airway obstruction and respiratory collapse. It may be necessary to act quickly for the tracheotomy procedure and this procedure can usually be performed under local anesthesia as intubation cannot be achieved. When we encounter an abscess in an unexpected organ, difficulties may be encountered in the management of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Koray Bal
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin University, Mersin 33160, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Harun Gür
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin University, Mersin 33160, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Demir
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin University, Mersin 33160, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Onur Ismi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin University, Mersin 33160, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Vayisoglu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin University, Mersin 33160, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Kemal Gorur
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin University, Mersin 33160, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Cengiz Ozcan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin University, Mersin 33160, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Murat Unal
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin University, Mersin 33160, Mersin, Turkey
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Mesolella M, Buono S, D'Aniello R, Ascione A, Motta G, Allosso S. Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH): Role of Logopedic Rehabilitation in Dysphagia. J Pers Med 2023; 13:994. [PMID: 37373983 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Forestier's disease is a systemic, degenerative metabolic condition, which is still insufficiently investigated and understood, characterized by the progressive ossification of the ligaments and entheses. This case describes a 63-year-old man admitted to our department after several years of failed attempts to obtain a definitive diagnosis presenting with a painless mass in the pre-auricular region, gradually worsening dysphonia, severe dysphagia relating to solids, stiffness, and mild pain at the back of the neck. After performing further diagnostic tests, in addition to a pleomorphic adenoma, the simultaneous presence of diffuse spondylarthrosis on the cervical spine was highlighted, with beak-like osteophytes at C2-C5 resulting in esophageal compression. Given the absence of upper digestive endoscopy abnormalities, we initiated an intense logopedic and postural rehabilitative treatment, which led to a significant improvement in the patient's dysphagia symptoms. In addition, we limited the use of medical therapy to solely indomethacin in order to control the osteophytic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Mesolella
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Federico II of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sarah Buono
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Federico II of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Aniello
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Federico II of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Ascione
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Federico II of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Motta
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, University Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Allosso
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Federico II of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Mesfin T, Debele G, Seyoum K, Dadi S, Tsegaye M, Gomora D, Kene C, Tolosa G. Tongue Abscess: A Case Report. Int Med Case Rep J 2022; 15:769-772. [PMID: 36605725 PMCID: PMC9809373 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s399020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Abscess of the tongue is a very rare disease that potentially compromises the airway. Acute tongue abscess symptoms include swelling or a lump in the deep tissues of the tongue, throbbing local pain, a discomfort that radiates to the ears, fever, difficulty swallowing, deliberate fixation of the tongue due to pain, and eventually, difficulties breathing. Case This is a 50-year-old male patient who presented with a complaint of severe tongue pain and swelling of three days duration. Associated with this, he had pain while swallowing, difficulty opening his mouth, shortness of breath, and drooling saliva. Likewise, he had a high-grade fever and a global type of headache. On physical examination, there was significant tongue swelling on the left anterolateral area, fluctuant on palpation, and had erythematous border. After informed consent was taken the patient was transferred to the operation room with the diagnosis of tongue abscess. Subsequently, incision and drainage were done under general anesthesia, and about 30mL of thick pus was drained. The pocket was washed with normal saline and 2% hydrogen peroxide. The patient was transferred to the surgical ward with stable vital signs and had been on antibiotics. He was discharged after two days of hospital stay. Conclusion Abscesses in the tongue are quite uncommon due to its rich vascular supply, lymphatic drainage, and saliva's immunologic advantage. Thorough diagnosis and successful treatment of tongue abscess prevent potential airway compromise. Antibiotic treatment should cover gram-positive and gram-negative anaerobes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telila Mesfin
- Department of Medicine, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Telila Mesfin, Tel +251931504321, Email
| | - Gosaye Debele
- Department of Surgery, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Kenbon Seyoum
- Department of Midwifery, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay Dadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Tsegaye
- Department of Medicine, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Degefa Gomora
- Department of Midwifery, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Chala Kene
- Department of Midwifery, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Gudisa Tolosa
- Department of Medicine, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Ethiopia
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Carotenuto A, Menke B, Jolton J, Dowdall JR. Recurrent Lingual Abscess in an Elderly Female With Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cureus 2022; 14:e28280. [PMID: 36158411 PMCID: PMC9492446 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A lingual abscess is a rare condition that was scarcely described in clinical textbooks. A lingual abscess recurrence is rare and has only been described twice in the literature. Typically, the tongue and oral cavity have multiple intrinsic properties which stave off intralingual infection; however, there may be situations in which these properties are compromised, as demonstrated in oro-motor disability. Lingual abscesses have the potential to develop into catastrophic obstructive airway issues; therefore, early detection and management are paramount. The following is a presentation of an elderly female with Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) treated conservatively for a lingual abscess with recurrence at eleven months post-treatment. Due to her baseline neuromuscular disorder and elevated anesthesia risk, she was treated in the interventional radiology suite with drain placement and Povidone-Iodine sclerotherapy under conscious sedation with excellent results.
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Little CC, Filimonov A, Schwam ZG. Lingual abscess: A case report of a rare clinical entity. Otolaryngology Case Reports 2022; 23:100411. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xocr.2022.100411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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