A case of composite hemangioendothelioma of the tongue

Abstract

Composite hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular neoplasm of intermediate malignant potential, characterized by complex admixtures of benign, intermediate, and malignant vascular components. Here we describe a case of composite hemangioendothelioma arising in the tongue. An 81-year-old man presented with a several-day history of a mass in the right edge of the tongue. On presentation, a painless, blue-violet, wellcircumscribed tumor mass measuring approximately 10 mm in diameter was found in the right edge of the tongue. Coloration of the mass faded on pressure. There was no swelling or tenderness of the lymph nodes. The mass was surgically excised, including the normal tissue. On histopathological examination, the tumor comprised retiform hemangioendothelioma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and cavernous hemangioma. We diagnosed composite hemangioendothelioma based on the admixture of multiple vascular lesions. There has been no evidence of recurrence or metastasis as of 2 years postoperatively.