Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a non-cancerous tumor that occurs due to the overgrowth of the cells that line the blood vessels. Symptoms of IPEH may include a soft mass under the skin and reddish-blue coloring on the skin. Other symptoms may depend on the location of the IPEH. The most common areas of the body for IPEH to occur are the head, neck, lower limbs, and fingers. If left untreated, the tumor can cause damage to the tissue around it and become infected. The cause is unknown. Diagnosis is made by imaging studies and a biopsy to remove a piece of the tumor for examination by a pathologist. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the tumor.