Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma of the upper lip

Abstract

Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma is a rare benign fibrohistiocytic vascular tumor with distinctive histologic features. It appears clinically as small, slow-growing, grouped reddish-brown to purple papules and nodules that may be mistaken for other vascular proliferative or reactive conditions. Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma tends to occur more frequently in women, to favor the extremities, and to appear as multiple lesions. We report a case of a solitary multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma that appeared as a nodule on the upper lip of a man but that otherwise demonstrated characteristic histologic and immunohistochemical features. Greater awareness of this uncommon benign lesion will facilitate diagnosis and appropriate management.