Ask an expert: What is venous lake of the lip?

Venous lake of the lip is a condition that can cause the formation of a dark blue or purple spot on the lip. Although it is not harmful, it can have a very similar presentation to other, more serious conditions so it is vital to consult a specialist to rule out anything sinister. In this informative article, leading cosmetic and hair restoration surgeon Dr Nawal Kishore Jha gives expert insight on the common causes behind venous lake of the lip and explains how it can be treated.

What is venous lake of the lip?

Venous lake of the lip is a vascular defect or anomaly which can develop for several reasons. In this condition, dilated veins can present as a small, soft bump or a flat macule or lesion on the lip which are typically dark blue or purple in colour. They mostly occur on the lower lip but can also present on the upper lip.

What causes venous lake of the lip?

In around fifty per cent of cases, venous lake of the lip is caused by one of the following factors:

• injury or trauma to the area
• cigarette smoking
• excessive exposure to sunshine
• lip biting

However, in the other half of cases that we come across, there is no definitive cause. Therefore, venous lake of the lip can also present in non-smokers, with no history of excessive exposure to the sun or trauma in the area.

Is venous lake of the lake cancerous?

When assessing this type of lesion, part of the diagnostic process of this condition is ensuring that there is no presence of malignant melanoma as the presentation is very similar to that of venous lake of the lip. Therefore, it is important to get checked out by a dermatologist who will use a specialised device to assess the area. If the growth is deemed safe and non-cancerous, the patient can then seek out treatment.

How is it treated?

Venous lake of the lip is treated with laser following a consultation and assessment. If it is deemed safe to do so, the patient can undergo laser treatment either on the same day or on another date suitable for the patient. The treatment only takes a few minutes to complete and is not painful, although some patients experience very slight discomfort.

Can venous lake of the lip rupture or have any other side-effects?

From time to time, it has been seen that the lesion can bleed a little following trivial trauma, such as biting. Bleeding in any other capacity, however, is not common as this type of papule is generally non-symptomatic. If the patient has experienced any symptoms of pain, bleeding or oozing, they should be examined by a consultant oncologist to rule out anything sinister.

If you are seeking treatment for venous lake of the lip and wish to book a consultation with Dr Jha, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile.