From the Research
Venous lakes on the tongue are best treated with electrocoagulation, 808 nm diode laser photocoagulation, or 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser therapy, as these options have been shown to be the most effective in recent studies 1. When considering treatment for a venous lake on the tongue, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and consider the patient's individual circumstances.
- The treatment options for venous lakes on the tongue include:
- Electrocoagulation
- Laser therapy (such as 808 nm diode laser or 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser)
- Sclerotherapy
- Cryotherapy
- Surgical excision
- These procedures are generally quick and can be performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, with minimal scarring and straightforward recovery 1.
- Venous lakes occur due to weakening of blood vessel walls, often related to aging, sun exposure, or trauma, and are typically benign, but any unusual changes in size, color, or bleeding should prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions 2, 3.
- A study published in 2024 found that electrocoagulation, 808 nm diode laser photocoagulation, and 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser therapy were the most effective treatment options for venous lakes on the oral mucosa, including the tongue 1.
- Another study published in 2006 reported a high success rate with long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment of venous lakes, with 94% of patients achieving complete clearance after a single treatment 3.
- While other treatment options, such as sclerotherapy and cryotherapy, may also be effective, the most recent and highest-quality evidence supports the use of electrocoagulation, 808 nm diode laser photocoagulation, or 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser therapy for the treatment of venous lakes on the tongue 1.