Venous Malformation of the Buccal Mucosa in a 65-Year-Old Female: A Case Report
D. Ishali *
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
G. Trupti
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
C. Mahesh
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To present a case of venous malformation of the buccal mucosa in an elderly patient and to emphasize the role of clinical and radiologic evaluation in establishing an accurate diagnosis.
Case Presentation: A 65-year-old female reported a painless swelling on the left buccal mucosa that had been present for three months. Clinical examination revealed a localized, soft, bluish lesion that was compressible and demonstrated blanching on diascopy, indicating a vascular origin. Based on initial findings, hemangioma was considered provisionally. To further assess the lesion, Doppler ultrasonography was performed, which revealed a low-flow vascular pattern consistent with a venous malformation.
Discussion: Accurate distinction between vascular tumors and vascular malformations is essential, as their biological behavior and treatment approaches differ. Sole reliance on clinical appearance may lead to misdiagnosis, particularly in older patients. Doppler imaging provides valuable information regarding flow characteristics, enabling precise classification and appropriate treatment planning.
Conclusion: Comprehensive evaluation combining clinical examination and imaging is crucial for correct diagnosis and rational management of oral vascular lesions.
Keywords: Venous malformation, buccal mucosa, oral vascular lesion, diascopy, conservative management