Metastases to lingual lymph nodes from squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue metastasising to the lingual lymph nodes is rare. Until now lingual lymph nodes have not been mentioned in any system of lymph node classification. We report a case of SCC of the tongue with metastases to the lymph nodes in the superficial floor of the mouth, and to levels I and II lymph nodes. We provide evidence of the existence of lingual lymph nodes, and validate the practice of removing the lymph node-bearing-tissue of the floor of the mouth during neck dissection in cancers of the oral cavity. (C) 2007 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.