Submandibular Gland Hemangioma: Clinicopathologic Features and a Review of the Literature

We conducted a retrospective study to determine the incidence and characteristics of submandibular gland hemangioma at our institution. We reviewed the records of all patients who had undergone submandibular gland excision from January 1998 through December 2006. We found a total of 230 such cases. Of these, submandibular gland hemangioma was found in 4 patients (1.7%)–3 women and 1 man, aged 20 to 47 years (mean 34.8). Their duration of symptoms had ranged from 26 to 78 months (mean: 49.3). These symptoms had included submandibular swelling, pain or discomfort, and features of sialadenitis. Computed tomographic angiography had revealed that the hemangiomas were supplied by the facial and lingual arteries. Two of the 4 patients had undergone preoperative vascular embolization, but it had failed to significantly reduce the amount of intraoperative blood loss. Final histopathologic examination had revealed that all 4 lesions were cavernous hemangiomas and that they had replaced the normal glandular structure. No recurrence was seen during a follow-up that ranged from 47 to 72 months (mean: 56.3).