Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the lower lip: surgical approach and review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: A review of the literature for intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia is presented along with a case report of a geriatric patient.

Review of the literature: Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a reactive benign lesion of vascular origin, which is caused by an excessive proliferation of endothelial cells. Only a few cases with IPEH in the oral cavity have been recorded in the literature, reporting the lower lip as the main site. The treatment of choice mentioned in the literature is simple excision.

Case report: In this case, an IPEH of the lower lip of a 79-year-old male was treated by a sclerosing agent, which was injected into the lesion, causing compression and fibrosis of the blood vessels, followed by a careful dissection and excision. Intra-operatively no bleeding occurred. Post-operatively an excellent aesthetic result was achieved, without recurrence.

Conclusion: The use of sclerotherapy followed by surgery in mixed type intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia can provide an acceptable aesthetic result with minimal intra-operative bleeding.