Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of tongue: A case report with immunohistochemical studies

Abstract

A very rare case of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EH) in the tongue is reported. The immunohistochemical studies for Factor VIII, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were performed. The tumour cell kinetics in EH was evaluated by PCNA immunohistochemistry. PCNA labeling index in the tumour was 57.0%. Furthermore, strong immunohistochemical expression of VEGF was recognized in the cytoplasm of tumour cells. The intense expression of VEGF in EH may indicate its aggressive proliferative activity and metastatic behavior.