A Case of Cavernous Hemangioma in the Submandibular Gland: A Review of Clinicoradiologic Features and Treatment Methods

Abstract

Cavernous hemangiomas in the submandibular gland (SMG) are rare; therefore, there are few clinicoradiologic pathognomonic findings upon which to base a diagnosis. Thus, a preoperative diagnosis of hemangioma is rare. We reviewed all English language literature on cavernous hemangioma involving SMG published after 1990. The characteristic clinical finding of cavernous hemangiomas involving the SMG is a fluctuant swelling that is unrelated to food intake. On computed tomography, cavernous hemangiomas appear as cystic or enhancing lesions either with or without calcification; however, this is not a pathognomonic finding for diagnosis. Most cavernous hemangiomas are best treated by complete surgical excision; preoperative angiography or embolization is not always required. Cavernous hemangioma should be added to the list of the masses presented a fluctuant swelling that is not associated with postprandial swelling. The treatment of choice is surgical excision without angiography and embolization.