Localized Amyloidosis of the Tongue: Mayo Clinic Experience

Abstract

Objective: 1) Review Mayo Clinic Rochester experience of localized tongue amyloidosis from 1961 to 2011. 2) Evaluate the workup of patients with localized amyloidosis, particularly exclusion of systemic amyloidosis. 3) Understand treatment and outcomes for patients with localized tongue amyloidosis.

Method: We reviewed the medical records of patients presenting to the Mayo Clinic Rochester from 1963 to 2011 for evaluation of amyloidosis who were found to have localized tongue amyloidosis, with no systemic involvement. Patients were followed over time to assess for disease recurrence and progression to systemic amyloidosis.

Results: Between 1963 and 2011, 30 patients presented to the Mayo Clinic Rochester for evaluation of amyloidosis who underwent a tongue biopsy as part of the evaluation. Of these 30 patients, 2 were diagnosed with localized tongue amyloidosis with no systemic involvement. Both patients were treated with wide local excision of the lesion without complication. They have not had local recurrence and have not developed systemic amyloidosis.

Conclusion: Localized tongue amyloidosis remains an extremely rare finding, with only 5 other cases reported in the English literature. Thorough evaluation is required in order to exclude systemic involvement. Treatment involves wide local excision of the lesion. Patients are not at increased risk for recurrence or of developing systemic amyloidosis.