Carcinoma Base of the Tongue with Acute Stridor

Carcinoma base of the tongue is the common cause of airway obstruction leading to stridor. The obstruction is seen due to loss of muscle tone. Majority of these patients require invasive surgical airway procedure. With the advent of airway advances like video-laryngoscopy, nasal insufflation techniques and use of cardio-pulmonary bypass, the anaesthesiologists have a plethora of options available. The management of airway in these patients depends on history, quick airway examination, expertise of the airway manager and resources. Cancer of the oral cavity constitutes about 2–4% of all malignancies and is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It accounts for almost 2% of cancer-related deaths. Tobacco chewing is the most common etiological factor for oral cancers involving the lip and tongue.