Malignant tumours of the tongue in young adults

Abstract
Summary Twenty-three cases of malignant tongue tumours in patients aged 15 to 30 are reported. Treatment and prognosis in the 18 for which follow-up information is available are discussed. The disease appears to be very similar to that in older subjects except for a greater incidence of neck node metastases. Close follow-up after primary treatment is essential since there is a high possibility of recurrent disease but which may respond well to salvage surgery if identified early. A greater awareness of the occurrence of tongue cancer in young adults is also necessary.