Haemangioma in the Oro-Facial Region: A Report of Fifteen Cases and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: A haemangioma is a benign vascular tumour consisting of an abnormal overgrowth of tiny blood vessels. Haemangioma may not be present at birth but may appear at 6 months of life. This vascular tumour is not common. We therefore report fifteen cases of haemangioma occurring in the oro-facial region: eight occurred in the cheek, one in the floor of the mouth, four in the lower lip and two in the maxillary gingivae.

Objective: To outline the clinical presentation and management of haemangioma in the oro-facial region treated in our Centre.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of all the patients that were treated from July, 2009 to July, 2019. Information was extracted from case files of patients. Data collected included: age at presentation, sex, location of the tumour, treatment given, findings and histological diagnosis.

Results: The result showed fifteen cases, nine (60.0%) were males and six (40.0%) females. Male to female ratio is 1.50 to 1.00. Our diagnostic tool was the aspiration of frank blood from the tumour which had similar clotting time with the normal blood and our mode of treatment included: injection of sclerosants and excision of the fibrous tissues.

Conclusion: It is essential to treat the tumour as early as possible especially in large lesion with disfigurement or where it is complicated by haemorrhage or infection.

Keywords: Cheek, haemangiomas, oro-facial, sclerosants, tumour, vascula