Diagnosis and Management of Cavernous Hemangioma of the Tongue with Sclerosing Agents: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Vascular anomalies pose as one of the most difficult diagnostic and therapeutic enigma in the maxillofacial region. They comprise of two categories i.e hemangioma and vascular malformation. Hemangiomas are tumors of blood vessels which present after birth, undergo a proliferative phase with rapid growth and then undergo a stationary period followed by a period of involution. In contrast vascular malformations are always present at birth and enlarge in proportion to growth of an individual, do not involute and present throughout patient’s life. Haemangioma is the most common benign tumour of vascular origin of the maxillofacial region. Despite its benign origin and behaviour, it is always of clinical importance to the dental professionals and requires appropriate management as it may lead to an early or continuous loss of function or lifetime esthetic impairment. Hemangioma can be subdivided into superficial type also known as capillary hemangioma which presents as bright red macular masses; and deep hemangioma known as cavernous hemangioma which presents as soft, non-fluctuant, poorly defined, dome like, bluish and occasionally bosselated nodule. Herein, we present a case of a 65 year old female presenting with deep or cavernous hemangioma on the lateral border of the tongue treated with 1% sodium tetradecyl sulphate with successful remission of the lesion. Usually such patients require surgical removal of the lesion. But in consideration to the massive surgical procedure, this therapeutic approach may reduce the chances of the surgical requirement.