ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors in children, but are sometimes reported in adults. There are many reports about hemangioma in children, but rare in adults. We intended to identify the clinical manifestations of hemangiomas and their treatment modalities. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We reviewed medical records of 25 patients over 20 years old, who underwent operation and were diagnosed with hemangioma from 1985 to 1999. RESULTS: There were 12 males and 13 females with their age ranging from 20 to 65 years, and a peak incidence was observed in the third decade (44%). The diagnoses were classified depending on histopathologic findings, and they were cavernous hemangioma in 19 cases (76%), capillary hemangioma in 3 cases (12%) and mixed hemangioma (12%). The most prevalent site was tongue (36%), followed by nasal cavity (16%), parotid (12%) and buccal area (8%). All patients underwent surgical excision and radiation therapy was added in 2 cases. Postoperative recurrences were observed in 3 cases (14%). CONCLUSION: Unlike hemangiomas in children, hemangiomas in adults are less likely to undergo spontaneous involution and they rarely resolve. Therefore, the research recommends that more active interventions like excision should be considered rather than observation for adult hemangiomas.