European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

HEMANGIOLYMPHANGIOMA OF TONGUE, REPORT OF A RARE CASE

Bassem Abou Merhi MD*, Amal Nous MD and Mariam Rajab MD

ABSTRACT

Hemangiolymphangioma is a variant of lymphangioma showing vascular component. Lymphangiomas are further subclassified microscopically into capillary, cavernous, cystic and lymphangioendothelioma, depending upon their histopathological features. Lymphatic malformations or lymphangiomas are uncommon congenital malformations of the lymphatic system, usually occurring in the head and neck region, characterized by collections of ectatic lymph vessels that form endothelial lined cystic spaces. Malformations of vascular nature originate as anomalies caused due to errors in vasculogenesis. Early recognition is of utmost importance for initiation of proper treatment and avoiding serious complications. These tumors are generally broadly classified into vascular tumors (hemangiomas) and vascular malformations (venous malformations, arteriovenous malformations, lymphatic malformations). Advancements in the knowledge of such vascular malformations are continuously changing their treatment protocols. Herewith, we present a rare case of vascular malformation diagnosed as hemangiolymphangioma in a two year six months old boy, along with a review of literature regarding its categorization.

Keywords: Hemangiolymphangioma, vascular malformation, lymphangioma.