[A Patient with Lower Lip Verrucous Carcinoma Treated with a Tongue Flap for Functional and Esthetic Reconstruction].

ABSTRACT

Surgery is generally indicated for the treatment of lower lip carcinoma. However, surgery can lead to esthetic as well as functional issues, with disturbances in eating and articulation. If the defect involves less than one-third of the width of the lower lip, primary closure is possible. If the defect is wider, reconstructive local flaps may be necessary for both esthetic and functional recovery. This report describes a case of lower lip verrucous carcinoma in which a tongue flap was used to treat a defect involving more than half the width of the lower lip following resection. The patient was a 91-year-old woman who complained of lower lip discomfort. A biopsy revealed verrucous carcinoma, and we performed resection. After a 3-week waiting period, we performed secondary tongue flap reconstruction. Satisfactory function and cosmetic results were achieved.