Reduction glossectomy of congenital macroglossia due to lymphangioma

Abstract

Macroglossia is a rare clinical condition defined as an enlarged tongue. Macroglossia can cause structural deformities like diastema and disproportionate mandibular growth and present functional disorders such as dysarthria, dysphonia, and respiratory problems. A 7-year-old boy who had lymphangiomatous macroglossia was treated with a reduction glossectomy by anchor-shaped combination of a U-shape and modified key-hole resection. Postoperatively, the reduced tongue was contained completely within the oral cavity, but open bite remained due to prognathism. Sensory and motor nerves to the tongue appeared to be intact, and circulation was adequate. This patient will be monitored for recurrence of tongue enlargement.