A spindle cell hemangioendothelioma on the head resembling an arteriovenous malformation

A spindle cell hemangioendothelioma is a relatively uncommon lesion, especially on the head and neck. Recurrence occurs after local excision of 50% to 60% of these lesions; therefore, it is important to recognize this unusual neoplasm and avoid misdiagnosis. Here, we report a rare case of a spindle cell hemangioendothelioma of the head. A 37-year-old woman presented with a soft subcutaneous mass, 2.5 cm in size, on her right occipital region. The mass pulsated strongly and a thrill was present. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that some dilated feeding arteries flowed into the mass and that a flow-void sign was present. The lesion looked like an arteriovenous malformation, and a marginal resection was performed. Histologically, there was a mix of cavernous vascular cavities and Kaposi sarcomalike spindle cell vascular zones, which is compatible with a spindle cell hemangioendothelioma.