The use of surgical diode laser in oral hemangioma: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the use of surgical lasers in hemangioma treatment and to report a clinical case involving diode laser.

BACKGROUND: Hemangiomas are benign vascular proliferations consisting of numerous capillary structures and are especially common on the tongue, lips, jugal mucous membrane, and gums. A number of treatment modalities have been proposed for hemangioma treatment.

METHODS: The patient was referred for evaluation complaining of chewing difficulty because of swelling in the right area of the upper lip, with no previous trauma. The lesion was located in the internal right jugal mucous membrane, measured 4 x 4 cm(2), presented a bluish coloration, and was diagnosed as a hemangioma. The treatment selected was surgical removal using gallium arsenide (GaAs) diode laser at 980 nm wavelength, with 4.0 W of power.

RESULTS: During surgery, complications including hemorrhage were not observed, and no scarring developed after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of GaAs high-potency diode laser in the treatment of hemangioma reduced bleeding during surgery, with a consequent reduction in operating time, and promoted rapid postoperative hemostasis. It is safe for use on large lesions and easy to manage, and postoperative problems, including potential scarring, and discomfort are minimal.