Verrucous haemangioma pathology

Introduction

Verrucous haemangioma (American spelling hemangioma) presents as blue-red, vascular papules, plaques, or nodules, which later become warty in appearance. These lesions do not resolve spontaneously and have a tendency to recur after excision if margins are inadequate.

Histology of verrucous haemangioma

In verrucous haemangioma, the histopathology shows irregular papillomatosis, acanthosis and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis. The dermis shows multiple, thin-walled, dilated blood-filled spaces. Intravascular thrombosis with recanalisation and haemorrhage can be seen (figures 1–5).

Figure 1

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Figure 5

Special studies for verrucous haemangoma

Vascular markers can highlight the extent of the lesion (CD31, CD34).

Differential diagnosis for verrucous haemangioma

Other conditions that should be considered include:

• Angiokeratoma — these are generally smaller and are superficial. Involvement of the deep dermis and subcutis is not a feature of angiokeratoma
• Kaposi sarcoma — some areas of verrucous haemangioma can have infiltrative growth and mimic Kaposi sarcoma. Immunohistochemistry with HHV8 is negative in verrucous haemangioma.