The “Ghost shaped” antero-lateral thigh flap for total tongue reconstruction: A case report

Abstract

Summary: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the oral cavity, particularly of the tongue. Surgery is the treatment of choice, but it can have a dramatic impact on patients' quality of life. Although the primary goal of tongue reconstruction is the restoration of vital functions such as swallowing and speech, a good cosmetic result should also be achieved. Herein we present the case of a 54-year-old woman who underwent total glossectomy, describing and highlighting the advantages of our modified technique: the “Ghost-shaped” anterolateral thigh perforator flap.

Keywords

• Anterolateral thigh perforator flap
• Tongue cancer
• Oral function
• Reshape of tongue