PHLEBOTHROMBOSIS ON THE LOWER LIP

Abstract

Phlebothrombosis, or venous thrombosis, is the occlusion of a segment or whole vein because of the formation of a thrombus. It can be caused by systemic change, vascular malformation, vein damage, or the use of predisposing drugs. Herein we report a case of a 47-year-old female patient that presented with a bluish nodule, of fibroelastic consistency, 4 mm diameter, with regular and clear limits outline, located on the left side of the lower lip. The diagnostic hypothesis was of hemangioma. An incisional biopsy was performed and histopathologic analysis detected multiple dilated and congested blood vessels, as well as the presence of a thrombus with areas presenting erythrocytes and fibrin and other areas presenting fibroblasts and blood capillaries. Based on clinical and microscopic features, the diagnosis established was phlebothrombosis or venous thrombosis. Although uncommon in the oral cavity, the phlebothrombosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of other vascular lesions.