Malignant haemangio endothelioma (angiosarcoma) concomitant presentation in the mandible and occiput--a case report

A case of angiosarcoma presenting simultaneously in the mandible and occiput is presented. The mandibular swelling was preceded by toothache for which the patient had tooth extraction, after which the rate of growth increased tremendously. It was not possible to determine without doubt which lesion presented first. The need to evaluate and investigate all cases of jaw swelling that require tooth extraction is emphasised. Angiosarcoma being a haemorrhagic lesion could be complicated life threatening haemorrhage, if a tooth related to it is extracted, as was experienced on incisional biopsy of this lesion. The procedure was accompanied by torrential bleeding which was only controlled after external carotid artery ligation. This, to our knowledge, is the first reported case of angiosarcoma occurring simultaneously in the mandible and occipital bones.