Vascular Malformations of the Orofacial Region

Vascular malformations are common lesions accounting for approximately 7% of all benign tumors, the majority of which develop in the head and neck region.1 In general, vascular lesions were separated into two major groups, infantile hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Hemangiomas are characterized by endothelial cellular hyperplasia, proliferation and rapid growth which is seen for 6 to 8 months after birth and then regress to a variable extent. On contrary, vascular malformation have a normal endothelial cell cycle and do not involute.2 Generally, vascular malformations such as lymphangiomas, hemangiomas and arteriovenous communications in the head and the neck region represent only an esthetic problem. Nevertheless, in the majority of cases when localized in the tongue, these lesions can produce clinical problems consisting of spontaneous hemorrhage from the mouth. Although uncommon, progressive asymmetric growth of the tongue (macroglossia) can also be seen.