Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the oral soft tissues: report of 18 cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a benign, nonneoplastic, vascular lesion, that is characterized histologically by papillary fronds lined by proliferating endothelium: it is thought to represent an unusual form of organizing thrombus. It may develop in a distended vessel or in association with other vascular lesions. The main significance of IPEH is its microscopic resemblance to angiosarcoma and possible misinterpretation as such.

METHODS

We report the clinicopathologic features of 18 examples of IPEH of the oral soft tissues and lips, and review such features of 55 previously reported oral cases.

RESULTS

The lips and tongue were most frequently involved and a female predilection was evident. Histologically, the pure form of IPEH was more commonly encountered.

CONCLUSION

The differential diagnosis and possible histogenesis of the lesion are discussed.