Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) has increasingly been used for hematologic
cancer therapy, resulting in improved survival rates. However, risks include
graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and secondary solid
tumors. Here, we describe a case of tongue
squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) complicated by
bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) following PBSCT. A 42-year-old man with a history of
acute lymphocytic leukemia treated with PBSCT presented with multiple white lesions and erosions on the tongue and buccal mucosa that are compatible with oral chronic GVHD (NIH criteria: score 2). The lesions were presented for 8 years. The patient had a history of BO manifested as GVHD. During follow-up, an exophytic mass was rapidly developed on the left dorsum of the tongue. Biopsy of this lesion confirmed SCC (cT2N0M0). Pulmonary function testing for
general anesthesia was almost normal. Hemiglossectomy, supraomohyoid
neck dissection, and tongue reconstruction were performed. Thirteen months after surgery, the patient showed neither recurrence of
tumor nor progression of oral GVHD. However, the patient died of
respiratory failure due to repeated pneumothoraxes and deterioration of BO.