Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the sublingual gland: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Rationale: Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) of the salivary glands is a rare low-grade malignant tumor. This type of tumor is particularly uncommon in the sublingual glands. Patient concerns: A 57-year-old female with a mass on the left side of the floor of the mouth that had been present for 2 months. The computed tomography scan of the neck revealed a nodular abnormal density shadow in the left sublingual area, measuring approximately 2.6 cm × 1.9 cm. Diagnoses: Primary HCCC of the sublingual gland. Interventions: The patient underwent surgical treatment and reconstruction using a left anterolateral femoral free flap, which showed immunohistochemical positivity for CK 5/6, CK 7, CK (AE1/AE3), and Ki-67 (<5%), but negative for SMA and S-100. Outcomes: No recurrence was observed during the 12-month postoperative follow-up period. Lessons: The absence of characteristic clinical manifestations makes HCCC highly susceptible to misdiagnoses. This case presents a rare instance of HCCC in the sublingual gland, providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease.