An Unusual Case of Extensive Cavernous Hemangioma of the Nasopharynx

Abstract

Introduction: Giant cavernous hemangioma involving the nose extending to the nasopharynx and oropharynx with complete obstruction of the airway is very unusual and is yet to be described in the literature. In the present case, we have described a giant cavernous hemangioma successfully managed with endoscopic excision. Case Report: A 38-year-old male patient presented with recurrent nasal bleeding for 24 months and progressive obstruction of the right nasal cavity for 8 months. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy showed a greyish mass filling the whole of the right nasal cavity and contrast-enhanced CT scan of the nose and paranasal sinus revealed a large heterogeneous contrast enhanced lesion in the nasal cavity. The endoscopic biopsy was suggestive of cavernous hemangioma. Endoscopic excision was done and the patient has been followed up for the past 12 months without any recurrence of the disease. Conclusion: Cavernous hemangioma is an uncommon benign entity of the nose and paranasal sinus. Due to the nonspecific clinical and radiological pictures, it is often a challenge for the preoperative diagnosis. A high index of suspicion and complete understanding of the clinicopathological profile of the patient is vital as the major differential diagnosis is the sinonasal malignancy simulating with a similar clinical picture.

Keywords

• cavernous hemangioma
• endoscopic excision
• nasopharynx