Fatality from central hemangioma of the mandible

Fatalities from central hemangiomas, including a new case, are reviewed. The importance of a thorough examination of young patients with suspicious gingival bleeding and mobile teeth before extraction is emphasized. The nature of the lesion and the methods of treatment are discussed. In the case reported, there were arteriovenous malformations in the soft tissues surrounding the mandible and a seemingly separate central mandibular lesion. The latter showed rapid growth throughout the mandible, ending fatally after spontaneous bleeding and extraction of the mandibular third molar. During the preceding three years, bilateral external carotid ligation had been performed and numerous conservative measures had been taken, including corticosteroid therapy, injections of Sotradecol, and telecobalt irradiation, all with little benefit.