Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
Vascular Floor of Mouth Mass with Unanticipated Intracranial, Orbital, and Vertebral Associated Involvements
Ho-Hyun Brian Sun1,2, Sheng-Chuan Lin3,4, Benjamin Shimel3
1Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Alameda Health System, Highland Hospital, 1411 E. 31st Street, Oakland, CA, 94602, USA. hsun@westernu.edu.
Abstract:
We report on a case in which a blanching, unobtrusive oral growth proved to be a systemic threat. A blind, epileptic child presented with a bleeding oral floor mass of 4 weeks. Biopsy showed small, dilated vascular spaces with reactive fibroblasts. MRI indicated distribution of expansile lesions in the mandible, cranial base, and right orbit that had possibly contributed to the patient's years-long neurologic deficits. A subsequent bone scan indicated lesions in multiple axial bones. Histologic markers confirmed the presentation of a rare cystic vascular pathology. Cystic Angiomatosis is a disease of intraosseous vascular malformations with occasional visceral involvements. Oral and craniomaxillofacial cases are especially rare and presentations can involve neuropsychiatric deficits, sensory issues, and mucosal bleeding. While clinicians are often dismissive of intraoral bleeding because of the prevalence of periodontal disease, careful evaluation is nonetheless critical to rule out underlying diseases with a possibly significant systemic involvement.
Insights
A rare cystic vascular pathology, Cystic Angiomatosis, presented as an oral mass in a child, causing significant systemic and neurological issues. Early oral lesion evaluation is critical for diagnosing this rare disease.
Area of Science:
- Vascular pathology
- Oral medicine
- Pediatric neurology
Background:
- Cystic Angiomatosis is a rare disease characterized by intraosseous vascular malformations.
- Oral and craniomaxillofacial presentations are uncommon and can lead to severe complications.
Observation:
- A blind, epileptic child presented with a bleeding oral floor mass.
- Biopsy revealed small, dilated vascular spaces.
- MRI and bone scan showed expansile lesions in the mandible, cranial base, orbit, and axial bones.
Findings:
- Histologic markers confirmed Cystic Angiomatosis.
- The lesions were associated with the patient's long-standing neurological deficits.
- The oral mass represented a significant systemic threat.
Implications:
- Clinicians must not dismiss intraoral bleeding, as it can indicate serious underlying conditions.
- Early diagnosis of oral manifestations of Cystic Angiomatosis is crucial for managing systemic involvement.
- This case highlights the importance of thorough evaluation for rare vascular pathologies presenting orally.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals II
Atomic Orbitals
Molecular Orbital Theory I
Molecular Orbital Theory II

