COMBINATION TREATMENT FOR MASSIVE CAVERNOUS HEMANGIOMA OF THE FACE - YAG LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION PLUS DIRECT STEROID INJECTION FOLLOWED BY YAG LASER RESECTION WITH SAPPHIRE SCALPEL TIPS, AIDED BY SUPERSELECTIVE EMBOLIZATION

A massive cavernous hemangioma of the face in an 11 month old child has been successfully resected utilizing a combination of laser and non‐laser techniques. The hemangioma was initially treated twice with YAG laser photocoagulation plus direct injection of steroids. This treatment promptly stopped the rapid growth and induced blanching as well as a 25% shrinkage with each treatment. Arteriogram with superselective embolization produced a further shrinkage of the hemangioma. Finally, the contact YAG laser with sapphire scalpel tips was utilized for complete and cosmetically satisfactory hemangioma resection. The treatment of a massive cavernous hemangioma by a combination of modalities is discussed. Copyright © 1990 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company