Novel technique using tensor fascia lata graft to reconstruct a floor of mouth postablative defect from invasive ectopic papillary carcinoma of the thyroglossal duct tract

Abstract

We describe a rare case of ectopic papillary thyroid cancer in the thyroglossal duct tract invading the floor-of-mouth musculature. The postablative defect was reconstructed with a bone-anchored tensor fascia lata graft to resuspend the floor of mouth to the mandible as a neogeniohyoid sling, enabling maintenance of a functional tongue position for normal speech and swallowing. This reconstruction should be considered when suprahyoid musculature is resected without breaching the oral lining.

Keywords: Ectopic papillary carcinoma; Floor of mouth; Reconstruction; Tensor fascia lata; Thyroglossal duct tract.