FIGURE CAPTIONS
Figure 1: Anterior view (a) and a lateral view(b) of the lesion involving the tongue on first presentation prior to treatment
Figure 2: T2-weighted contrast enhanced MRI sagittal section showing a hyperintense mass on the tongue. Small foci (yellow arrows) can be seen within the lesion corresponding to flow voids.
Figure 3: Appearance of the lesion after 1 year of observation. The lesion has increased in all dimensions and now occupies majority of the oral cavity. The surface appears dry and flaking of the superficial layers of mucosa can be seen.
Figure 4: Digital subtraction angiogram of the left lingual artery prior to embolization (a) and immediately after embolization (b) . Majority of the feeder vessels have been successfully occluded and blood supply to the lesion appears to be reduced.
Figure 5: Clinical appearance of the lesion prior to embolization (a) compared to its appearance immediately after embolization (b) . Even though the lesion appears to be reduced in size, feeding was still a major challenge.
Figure 6: Surface markings on the tongue using indelible ink prior to dissection (a) . Excision of the transverse and vertical lesion and reduction of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue(b) . Excised specimen from the tongue (c). Appearance of tongue immediately after suturing (d) .
Figure 7: Capillary hemangioma of the tongue: Presence of both thick and thin walled vascular channels lined by endothelial cells without anaplastic features (hematoxylin and eosin, magnification x10(a) and X40 (b) ).
Figure 8: Appearance of the tongue 1 week after surgery(a) with the tongue satisfactorily contained in the mouth, note the nasogastric tube (b). Appearance 8 months after surgery(c) with restored tongue form and function (protrusion).
Figure 9: A comparison of the tongue before surgery (a) and at medium term of 1 year and 9 months after surgery