Composite Hemangioendothelioma of the Submandibular Region |
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Authors: | Sarah Lam Shang Leen Peter M. Clarke John Chapman Cyril Fisher Khin Thway |
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Affiliation: | Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, 203 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ UK ;Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK ;Department of Histopathology, Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, UK |
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Abstract: | Composite hemangioendothelioma (HE) is a rare vascular neoplasm of intermediate malignant potential that predominantly occurs within the dermis or subcutis of the extremities, and occurs in a wide age range. It is locally aggressive with a high rate of local recurrence, and more rarely regional lymph node or distant metastasis. Histologically, it is composed of a complex admixture of benign, intermediate and malignant vascular components. Although composite HE may contain angiosarcoma-like areas, its prognosis is better than that of pure angiosarcoma. We describe a case of composite HE presenting as a submandibular mass in a 43 year-old male, which included areas of prominent ‘high grade’ epithelioid angiosarcoma. This adds to the range of anatomic sites of these neoplasms, highlights the importance of recognition of the head and neck as a potential site, and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis for correct management (including of long term follow up) and prognostication. |
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Keywords: | Composite hemangioendothelioma Head and neck Soft tissue tumor |
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