Microvenular hemangioma | |
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Other names | Microcapillary hemangioma[1] |
Specialty | Oncology ![]() |
Microvenular hemangioma is an acquired benign vascular tumor that presents as an asymptomatic, slowly growing, 0.5- to 2.0 cm reddish lesion on the forearms or other sites of young to middle-aged adults.[2] The cause of microvenular hemangioma is unknown, however it has been associated with immunosuppression.
Microvenular hemangioma appears as slow-growing, frequently numerous lesions, erythematous, violaceous, or moderately pruriginous macules, papules, or nodules without any symptoms.[3] They usually appear on the forearm. There have also been reports of lesions on the soles of the feet, forehead, legs, and chest.[4]
Although the exact cause of microvenular hemangioma is uncertain, it has been found in certain instances during pregnancy or after changes in hormonal contraception.[5] In certain circumstances, imbalanced sex hormones could potentially be the cause.[6] Microvenular hemangioma has also been associated with immunosuppression.[7]
Multiple distinct red globules are seen under a microscope, and a finely pigmented network is seen around the periphery.[8] Histologically, microvenular hemangioma is made up of venules with thin walls that branch erratically and have barely noticeable vascular lumina. The dermis's collagen bundles are thickened.[6] Pericytes envelop the endothelial cells,[9] which can exhibit a combination of plump and flat cells without pleomorphism or mitotic patterns.[10]
Immunohistochemically, an microvenular hemangioma's endothelial cells show positive staining for CD31, CD34, and factor VIII, while its pericytes show positive staining for SMA.[8][11] However, neither cell shows positive staining for podoplanin.[12]
The differential diagnosis for microvenular hemangioma includes acquired (tufted) angioma, Kaposi sarcoma, Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, and sclerosing hemangioma.[13]
The treatment for microvenular hemangioma is surgical excision.[13]