Vascular leiomyoma of the head and neck

Vascular leiomyoma, a benign tumor composed of smooth muscle cell and vascular endothelium, is rare in the head and neck region. The authors report their experience with 21 patients.

Retrospective review.

From 1988 to 2001, the clinical records of 21 patients with vascular leiomyoma of the head and neck were reviewed. The pathological material of each tumor was reviewed again for confirmation of the diagnosis and histological classification proposed by Morimoto.

Twelve male and 9 female patients were studied. The mean age was 48 years. The locations and numbers of cases of the tumors were as follows: auricle, five; nasal cavity, three; external nose, 3; neck, 3; lip, 3; inner canthus, 2; forehead, 1; and hard palate, 1. All tumors were painless, and most were less than 2 cm in diameter. Three vascular leiomyomas of the neck were larger than 2 cm. Two of the three tumors originating in the nasal cavity presented with nasal obstruction or epistaxis. Regarding histological subtype, 14 of 21 (67%) tumors were solid type; 6 (28%) were cavernous type, and only one (5%) was venous type. Only one tumor (5%) recurred after excision.

Vascular leiomyoma usually presents as a small, painless mass. Auricle, nose, lip, and neck are the most common sites of occurrence. Unusually large vascular leiomyomas are developed in the deep space of the neck. Imaging study or cytological examination is not helpful for diagnosis. Histological classification is not necessary. Simple excision yields excellent results.