Carcinoma of the tongue in persons younger than 30 years of age.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in young people is a rare disease. The usual causal agents associated with this disease in older patients may not be operative in this younger age group or may involve a greatly reduced latency. Failure to perform a biopsy of tongue lesions in young patients often leads to late diagnosis. The prognosis is similar, stage for stage, as for older patients. Thirteen cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue occurred in patients younger than 30 years of age. Their clinical appearance, stage and histologic state, treatment, and survival are discussed. A high index of suspicion leading to early diagnosis and systematic adequate treatment are needed to alter the unfavorable prognosis of this lesion.