Composite hemangioendothelioma of the oral cavity: Case report and review of the literature

Background Composite hemangioendothelioma is a rare histopathologic feature, which is part of the hemangioendothelioma family. This is a heterogeneous group of vascular neoplasiae with a high tendency to local relapse but a rare predisposition to metastatic spread. Composite hemangioendothelioma mainly affects adults and is usually localized in the distal extremity of the limbs. To date, only 1 case has been detected in the oral cavity. Methods A case of composite hemangioendothelioma in a 38‐year‐old man is reported. The lesion was localized in the left cheek vestibular mucosa. It was surgically excised with a 1‐cm safety margin. Reconstruction was performed with a platysma myocutaneous flap. Results At present, the patient is free from recurrence. The aesthetic and functional outcomes are satisfactory. Conclusion This case demonstrates how a composite hemangioendothelioma histological diagnosis can be difficult to achieve. Furthermore, therapy must be surgical and excision should be wide. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008