Central hemangioma: an overview and case report

Central hemangioma of the mandible and maxilla is extremely rare. Although the mucosal and soft tissue lesions are readily suspected by their clinical appearance, the intrabony lesions may be difficult to distinguish visually. The clinical and radiographic presentation is relatively nonspecific; therefore, a proper diagnosis has to be made. The management of central hemangioma is difficult because of the abundant vascular network in this region. Various therapies have been considered, but surgery has most frequently been used. A case report of an 8-year old boy with central hemangioma of the left mandibular body with vague clinical features but a characteristic radiographic and histological picture of central hemangioma is presented here. Also presented is a literature review that includes: (1) clinical features; (2) radiographic appearance; (3) histology; and (4) possible treatment modalities. Enbloc resection of the mandible was performed, followed by the insertion of a reconstruction plate, which will later be replaced by an autogenous graft.