Angiolymphoid hyperplasia of the head and neck

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia is a rare benign condition affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the head and neck. Superficial (intradermal) lesions frequently affect the external ear and such a case presenting to an otolaryngologist is described. Clinically the disease is characterized by single or multiple plum-coloured nodules or plaques which are often itchy and may bleed with mild trauma. Histologically the lesions are composed of proliferating capillary vessels associated with a heavy inflammatory infiltrate including eosinophils and mast cells. The cause remains obscure. The lesions often persist for many years and may regress spontaneously. Several forms of treatment have been used, including cryosurgery, curettage and diathermy, radiotherapy and intralesional steroid injections. In this case the Argon laser was employed.