Distant Intramuscular Metastases of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Distant Metastasis of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Multiple Subdermal and Intramuscular Cysts: A Case Report

The most common sites of distant metastasis (DM) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue are the lung, bone, and liver; the early identification of metastasis to other sites is difficult. This case report discusses a 48-year-old male initially diagnosed with advanced-stage left tongue SCC, which was treated with wide excision, left radical neck dissection, and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Two months after completing adjuvant therapy, multiple painful nodules without local erythematous changes or warmth were found in the bilateral posterior neck and right medial thigh. Ultrasonography of these nodules revealed a cystic structure. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed metastatic SCC. The disease progressed despite salvage chemotherapy, and the patient passed away 4 months after the formation of the nodules. Subdermal and intramuscular cysts as the initial presentation of DM have rarely been reported. The identification of unusual cysts, even those outside the head and neck, should raise concern.

Luteolin-7-O-Glucoside Inhibits Oral Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion by Regulating Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Expression and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Pathway

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth most common type of cancer globally, which is associated with high rates of cancer-related deaths. Metastasis to distant organs is the main reason behind worst prognostic outcome of oral cancer. In the present study, we aimed at evaluating the effects of a natural plant flavonoid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, on oral cancer cell migration and invasion. The study findings showed that in addition to preventing cell proliferation, luteolin-7-O-glucoside caused a significant reduction in oral cancer cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, luteolin-7-O-glucoside caused a reduction in cancer metastasis by reducing p38 phosphorylation and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression. Using a p38 inhibitor, SB203580, we proved that luteolin-7-O-glucoside exerts anti-migratory effects by suppressing p38-mediated increased expression of MMP-2. This is the first study to demonstrate the luteolin-7-O-glucoside inhibits cell migration and invasion by regulating MMP-2 expression and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway in human oral cancer cell. The study identifies luteolin-7-O-glucoside as a potential anti-cancer candidate that can be utilized clinically for improving oral cancer prognosis.