A case of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) of the upper lip

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is clinically characterized by intradermal or subcutaneous papules and/or nodules usually occurring in young adults. Lesions in the oral mucosa are extremely rare. We report a case and review the literature of ALHE cases involving the oral mucosa. A 40-year-old man presented with a painless, 20 x 20 mm, submucosal nodule on the upper lip. Histological examination of lip biopsy specimens revealed an increase in many small vessels. The vascular walls consisted of prominent endothelial cells with a histiocytoid appearance, which protruded into the lumen. Many eosinophils and lymphocytes were also seen around the vessels. The diagnosis of ALHE was made from the above findings.