Most common histological type of carcinoma of tongue: March 2007

Ans. A: Squamous cell carcinoma Tongue development begins during the fouh embryonic week and develops from the region of the first 3-4 branchial arches. The tongue is supplied by the lingual aeries. Innervation of the tongue includes the lingual and hypoglossal nerves for sensation and movement and the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and special sensory fibers for salivation and taste ability. The most common histology finding in patients with malignant neoplasms of the base of the tongue is squamous cell carcinoma. SCC is the predominant histology for tumours arising in the oral cavity and oropharynx.