Diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the skull misdiagnosed as skull metastasis in breast cancer patient: one case report and literature review

Huizhi Liu,Huandi Zhou,Hua Shang,Feng Li,Xiaoying Xue,Xiaojing Chang

doi:10.1186/s12885-019-5341-x

Huizhi Liu, Huandi Zhou + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-019-5341-x

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Abstract

BackgroundPrimary intraosseous cavernous hemangiomas (PICHs) of the skull are extremely rare. To date, diffuse cranial hemangioma of skull has not been reported. In cancer patients, it is often misdiagnosed as metastasis.Case presentationHere, we presented a case of a 50-year-old female patient suffering from slightly headache who received breast cancer modified radical mastectomy in 2004, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings revealed abnormal lesions of diffuse skull which were misdiagnosed as skull metastasis, and the relevant literatures were also reviewed.ConclusionsDiffuse cavernous hemangioma of the skull is exceedingly rare, and imaging data are not typical. The condition is often misdiagnosed, and pathological evaluation is necessary and important. In cases where the mass cannot be completely removed by surgery, radiotherapy could be beneficial.

Highlights

Primary intraosseous cavernous hemangiomas (PICHs) of the skull are extremely rare
We reported a case of hemangioma of the skull in a breast cancer patient, which was misdiagnosed as skull metastasis and a review of the literature
Hemangiomas could occur in any part of the skull, such as the clivus [4, 5], frontal bone [6, 7], parietal bone or petrous bone [8], but are predominantly located in the frontal bone, with 44.1% of skull PICHs reported in this area in previous studies [2]

Summary

Introduction

Primary intraosseous cavernous hemangiomas (PICHs) of the skull are extremely rare. To date, diffuse cranial hemangioma of skull has not been reported. Background Primary intraosseous cavernous hemangiomas (PICHs) are benign vascular tumors that are characterized by osteolytic bone destruction and often occur in the vertebral column but are extremely rare in the skull [1]. We reported a case of hemangioma of the skull in a breast cancer patient, which was misdiagnosed as skull metastasis and a review of the literature.

Results

Conclusion