[Angiomatous lips].

Abstract

After defining vascular malformations and tumors, the authors approach specific problems of these lesions involving the lips. Careful planning and assessment are necessary throughout the clinical course and evolution. Therapeutic management concern the vascular anomaly but the functional, cosmetic and psychological repercussions as well. The rules of surgical treatment are discussed in this labial location. Capillary malformations can be treated by pulsed dye laser for the skin involvement, but sometimes by reconstructive surgery in case of soft tissue and bony overgrowth. Venous malformations require percutaneous sclerotherapy, partial or total removal surgery, reconstructive surgery, with or without previous embolization, according to the size and functional repercussions. Lymphatic malformations involving the lip are based upon conservative and observing treatment or surgery according to impairment and psychological impact. There is a strong tendency for these lymphatic microcystic malformations to invade and to recur after surgery. The new lasers (diode, Nd Yag) have to be assessed in this area. Arterio-venous malformations are the most severe anomaly. When the lesion is cosmetically and functionally acceptable, the authors propose conservative management waiting for therapeutic progress expected from genetics research. Otherwise management require embolization and complete surgical treatment with lip reconstruction. The first-line treatment of hemangiomas is medical and pharmacological (local medical care, corticosteroids, interferon, vincristine) but surgery may be indicated in three situations. In urgent cases with severe complications surgery is performed after failure of medical management. Early surgery is recommended to prevent functional or cosmetic disturbance or serious psychological distress. Ultrasound dissection (Dissectron) an significantly contribute to the surgical outcome. Late surgery retains its classical cosmetic and functional indications and techniques to treat the residual after-effects. Three key-words dominate the rules of therapeutic management of all types of vascular anomalies: multidisciplinary approach, experience and carefulness.