An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can occur in the tongue and may be associated with a number of clinical problems.
If the arteriovenous malformation is small then it is usually asymptomatic.
Conditions associated with clinically significant AVM:
(1) large in size
(2) multiple feeding arteries
Problems in management:
(1) poor delineation (poorly circumscribed)
(2) involvement of structures beyond the base of the tongue
(3) recurrence after initial resection
Complications:
(1) airway obstruction
(2) hemorrhage with hemoptysis, which can be massive
(3) blood aspiration
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Specialty: Otolaryngology, Cardiology
