Cavernous hemangioma: a rare case report in the maxillary sinus

Introduction and importance: Cavernous hemangiomas are rare vascular malformations of the maxillary sinus that present diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Case presentation: This case report presents a 52-year-old woman with a slowly enlarging, painless swelling over the right infra-nasal region, leading to gross facial deformation. Imaging studies revealed a large, diffuse radiopaque mass in the upper right posterior maxilla, with a differential diagnosis favoring fibrous dysplasia. The patient underwent surgical excision via hemimaxillectomy under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed a cavernous hemangioma. No perceptible aesthetic sequelae or recurrence was observed at follow-up the months after treatment. Clinical discussion: In the maxillofacial area, it is a rare entity, with the intraosseous type being even rarer, accounting for less than 1% of all bony tumors. The mandible is the most commonly affected site, accounting for approximately 2/3rd hemangiomas of the jaw. The clinical manifestations of maxillary cavernous hemangiomas are highly variable and often nonspecific, making diagnosis challenging. Conclusion: Cavernous hemangiomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of maxillary sinus lesions. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice and results in an excellent prognosis with low recurrence rates.