Korean J Clin Oncol.  2019 Dec;15(2):127-131. 10.14216/kjco.19022.

A cavernous hemangioma located in the axillary area: Challenges in preoperative diagnosis and operation

• Choi J
• Park CS
• Kong J
• Kim HA
• Noh WC
• Seong MK

• KMID: 2470677
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14216/kjco.19022

Abstract

Cavernous hemangiomas are benign neoplasms of endothelial cells. Although this neoplasm has the potential to develop in all parts of the body, it rarely develops in the axilla; in fact, there are only two case reports of axillary cavernous hemangiomas in the literature. Here, we describe a third case, which occurred in a 30-year-old Korean woman. The patient presented with a palpable mass in the left axilla that was initially thought to be either a phyllodes tumor or a lymphoma based on imaging studies. However, the results of an excisional biopsy led to a diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. Although uncommon, a cavernous hemangioma can be encountered unexpectedly, presenting as a mass in axilla. Although usually curative, surgery may be challenging not only because of the rarity of the condition, but also because of inconsistent preoperative findings and the involvement of large vessels.

Keyword

Axilla; Cavernous hemangioma; Biopsy; Vascular neoplasms; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Adult
Axilla
Biopsy
Diagnosis*
Endothelial Cells
Female
Hemangioma, Cavernous*
Humans
Lymphoma
Phyllodes Tumor
Ultrasonography
Vascular Neoplasms