Hemangioma-like lesions: diagnosis and management.

The distinctive color that serves as the basis for the appearance of blue lesions arises from the accumulation of pigmented material, blood, or clear fluid in abnormal amounts within the oral tissues. Clinical appearance of these lesions varies and, despite their morphological similarity, their pathogenesis, etiology, and clinical behavior is different, as are their treatment and prognosis. Because of the clinical similarity between benign and malignant blue lesions (as illustrated by the patients described in this report), the need for precise histologic diagnosis prior to definitive treatment is emphasized.