Cavernous hemangiomas in children.

Cavernous angiomas are histologically benign hamartomas, showing no potential for metastasis. Clinically, patients present with convulsions, hemorrhage, or signs of mass effect. Although many cases exhibit ossification on X-ray, the main means of diagnosis is computed tomography. This, in turn, has led to earlier diagnoses being made in much younger patients. Early diagnosis is a matter of urgency as patients are otherwise exposed to the continuing threat of rupture. As cavernous angiomas are operable, the prognosis is usually good.