External Beam Radiotherapy as an Adjuvant in the Management of Recurrent Digital Heamangiomatous Tumour: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Heamangioma constitutes the largest subset of vascular lesions. It is predominantly congenital with predilection for the head and neck region of the body but can involve any part or region of the body. The capillary variant may be post-traumatic. After initial proliferation it may involute especially if infantile. Treatment modalities include drugs, laser and surgery. Capillary heamangioma may be refractory to drug therapy or recur after surgical excision. A case of capillary heamangioma in a middle aged male negriod (Nigerian) that developed from an ulcerated nodule over the middle phalanx of the left 4th finger with recurrence after several re-excisions is being reported. A permanent cure was achieved after a re-excision preceded by low dose external beam radiotherapy without functional compromise or altered aesthesis of the finger.
 Conclusion: Post traumatic heamangioma clinically presents as hyper granulated tissue and may pose a management challenge. Arising from the excellent outcome of the low dose external beam radiation followed by excision, we hereby propose that this should be adopted as one of the treatment options of heamangiomas especially in adults.