A case of spindle cell hemangioma

Abstract

Spindle cell hemangioendothelioma was first described in 1986 to characterize a particular angiomatous lesion which shows different clinical features, however, it has recently been designated as spindle cell hemangioma (SCH) due to its benign nature. Microscopically, this peculiar vascular tumor consists of cavernous blood vessels intermixed with solid areas predominantly composed of spindle cells, resembling Kaposi sarcoma. A 39-year-old woman presented with a bean-sized, tender, bluish nodule on the pulp of her right thumb. The 1 year old lesion had increased slowly in size over this time. Histologic examination of the lesion showed that it was composed of large irregularly-dilated, thin-walled cavernous blood spaces containing organizing thrombi, numerous red blood cells, and a spindle cell mass which was partially connected with the vessel wall and invaded the stroma. A diagnosis of SCH was made based on histologic and immunohistochemical findings. After the lesion was totally excised, there has been neither recurrence nor occurence of new lesions to date.