Cavernous Hemangioma of the Tongue

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Vascular anomalies are divided into vascular tumors, hemangiomas being the most common, and vascular malformations. Most vascular anomalies are noticed at birth or occur during infancy, and generally involve skin or subcutaneous soft tissues. Adult onset hemangiomas are rare, and intramuscular location is extremely rare. Surgical excision is recommended for hemangiomas in adults, if they are symptomatic, or manifest growth. Materials and methods We report a rare case of a 51-year-old woman, with an intramuscular hemangioma of the tongue, presenting as a submental mass. Preoperative imaging for assessment of tumor extent was followed by a successful surgical excision. Results Postoperative course was uneventful with primary healing of the wound, and with no functional deficit of tongue function. Conclusion Although a variety of treatment approaches are reported for childhood hemangiomas, surgical excision is the preferred treatment for adult onset symptomatic hemangiomas. Preoperative work up should include imaging preferably with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Embolization may be considered for larger lesions. Intraoperative hypotension should be avoided to ensure identification of the entire lesion to ensure complete excision. How to cite this article Petrovic I, Roman B, Shah JP. Cavernous Hemangioma of the Tongue. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):109-111.