Giant Haemangio-Lymphangioma of the Upper Lip - A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Vascular anomalies are congenital defects in vasculogenesis. They are classified into vascular tumors (hemangiomas) and vascular malformations (venous malformations, arteriovenous malformations, lymphatic malformations). Sometimes, lymphatic channels may be evident in hemangiomas. Depending on predominant component, it will be categorized either as hemangiolymphangiomas or lymphangiohemangiomas, vice versa is true for lymphangiomas. Hemangiomas of the oral cavity are not commonly observed though head and neck are common sites.

Case presentation: The patient was a 13-year-old female who presented herself to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery at Dental college, with the complaint of swelling in upper lip since 12 years. The swelling was soft in consistency and bluish in colour. The lesion was diagnosed as hemangioma after clinical examination and excised under general anaesthesia.  Histopathology was consistent with Hemangio-lymphangiomas.

Conclusion: Hemangio-lymphangiomas are not common in oral cavity but all suspicious cases should be properly investigated. Early detection and biopsy is necessary to determine the clinical behavior of the tumor and potential dentoalveolar complications.