[Cavernous hemangioma confined to the tongue]

The authors relate on a case of an isolated cavernous haemangioma of the body of the tongue characterized by considerable size. Such neoplasms, usually described within the more extensive chapter of the more common angiomatous lesion of the oral cavity, are relatively rare. The authors describe a personal case discussing the diagnostic spects of such lesion and emphasizing the importance of the arteriography of the carotid artery and the of the selective arteriography of the lingual arteries, especially in considering surgery. Biopsies are not recommended. After discussing the histopathological and clinical aspects of such lesions the Authors emphasize the therapeutic ones. Even though radiotherapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, medical treatment, injection of sclerosing substances and the selective embolization, of the lingual artery seem to have some efficacy, the authors conclude that surgery in the therapy of choice in the isolated vascular lesions of the body of the tongue.