Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue in the Setting of Electronic Cigarette Use

Abstract

Abstract: The understanding of short and long-term health impacts of electronic cigarette use are limited by the paucity of longitudinal data and a wide heterogeneity amongst products. Recent in-vitro and in-vivo studies have demonstrated the carcinogenic potential of several compounds found in electronic cigarette vapers. We present a case of a 17-year-old male presented with a biopsy proven HPV negative squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. The only pertinent history was a frequent daily use of an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), or electronic cigarette. The patient underwent a partial glossectomy and ipsilateral left modified radical neck dissection. Though sufficient literature is unavailable to link ENDS to oral cancer, contemporary evidence highlights a multitude of carcinogenic properties. With rising ENDS usage amongst youth populations, both physicians and patients need to be aware of the potential risks.