Hemangioendothelioma of palate: A case report with review of literature

Hemangioendothelioma commonly occurs in the superficial or deep soft tissue of the extremities, lungs, liver, bone and lymph nodes, with oral cavity being a rare location. It is usually benign but can show variable grades of malignancy. According to the histological presentation, hemangioendothelioma has been classified as epithelioid, Kaposiform, hobnail (Dabska-Retiform), epithelioid sarcoma like and composite. We present a case of ulcerated swelling of palate clinically diagnosed as pyogenic granuloma which presented a diagnostically challenging histological picture. We discuss the differential diagnoses obtained from various oral pathologists and general pathologists and substantiate the diagnosis of hemangioendothelioma based on its clinical behavior, histological features and immunohistochemical findings. In addition, we attempt to highlight the diagnostic dilemma that such cases can pose to the attending pathologists.