International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery

Register      Login

VOLUME 6 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2015 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Cavernous Hemangioma of the Tongue

Jatin P Shah, Ivana Petrovic, Ben Roman

Citation Information : Shah JP, Petrovic I, Roman B. Cavernous Hemangioma of the Tongue. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015; 6 (3):109-111.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10001-1235

Published Online: 01-12-2016

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2015; The Author(s).


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.


PDF Share
  1. Hemangiomas and vascular malformations of the head and neck: MR characterization. Am J Neuroradiol 1993;14(2):307-314.
  2. Hemangiomas and vascular malformations in infants and children: a classification based on endothelial characteristics. Plast Reconstr Surg 1982; 69(3):412-422.
  3. Hemangiomas and vascular malformations: an atlas of diagnosis and treatment. Springer Verlag; 2009. ISBN:884700568X.
  4. A nodular submental mass. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2007;104(6):734-737.
  5. The diagnosis and treatment of intramuscular hemangiomas of the masseter muscle. Am J Otolaryngol 1980 Feb;1(2):186-190.
  6. Hemangiomas and vascular malformations of the head and neck: a simplified approach. Neuroimag Clin N Am 2011; 21(3):641-658.
PDF Share
PDF Share

© Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.