Lip and oral venous varices treated by photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser.

Lip and oral venous varices are acquired benign vascular lesions characterized by a darkblue to violaceous papule or nodule, commonly found on the ventral tongue and lower lip. Although these lesions are usually asymptomatic, they can bleed if injured. This study assessed the effectiveness of photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser in the treatment of these lesions. Thirty-two patients (14 men and 18 women; mean age, 56 years) with lip and oral venous varices were examined and treated with a noncontact diode laser. With one exception, all cases were successfully treated with a single irradiation exposure session. Healing was complete in about 2 to 3 weeks; none of the patients experienced complications or recurrence. Photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser was proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of lip and oral venous varices, with consistent results.