Nasal cavity lobular capillary hemangioma due to insect sting.

INTRODUCTION

Lobular capillary hemangioma is a frequent benign vascular inflammatory lesion of the skin tissue. It rarely reaches the mucous membrane, and the nasal fossa involvement is exceptional.

CASE REPORT

A 68-year-old woman presented with an ulcerous hemorrhagic mass blocking the left nasal fossa, which had appeared a few weeks after a wasp sting in the nose. The insect was evacuated only three weeks after the sting. The clinical and radiological data suggested malignancy. Biopsy under local anesthesia proved non-contributory and was complicated by 1 week's hospitalization for severe nosebleed. Surgical excision under video-endoscopy confirmed diagnosis. At 31 months' follow-up, the patient was free of recurrence.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The pathogeny of lobular capillary hemangioma is uncertain. No previous cases affecting the mucous membrane after insect sting have been reported. Except in the typical contexts of long-term packing or pregnancy, diagnosis can be difficult and misleading. It can mimic a malignant pathology. Its rich vascularization requires caution during biopsy, and the risk of recurrence requires excision to be complete.