Cavernous Hemangioma of the Palatine Tonsil: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cavernous hemangiomas are venous malformations characterized by interconnected channels of abnormally dilated blood vessels having low flow of blood. Whilst venous malformations most commonly affect the head and neck region, isolated cavernous hemangiomas of the palatine tonsils are extremely rare; with only 4 cases being reported in the English Literature. We report a case of a 43-year-old female who was referred to us for the evaluation and management of a right tonsillar swelling. Clinico-radiological findings were highly suggestive of a tonsillar hemangioma. Surgical excision of the right palatine tonsil along with the lesion was performed after which there was complete resolution of symptoms. Histopathological analysis confirmed a diagnosis of a tonsillar cavernous hemangioma.