Pyogenic granuloma of the vermillion: Surgical treatment of lip vermilion, and its outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to retrospectively analyze the features and treatment of pyogenic granuloma of the vermillion border of the lip.Methods: Information regarding 16 cases of pyogenic granuloma of the vermilion border of the lips that underwent biopsy was retrieved from the pathology records of patients seen at the Plastic Surgery Department of Sanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan Training and Research Hospital and Dermatology Department of Sanlıurfa Balıklıgol State Hospital. Data were reviewed and analyzed for age, gender, lesion site and diameter, treatments, recurrence and clinical features.Results: Sixteen patients (12 female (75%) and four (25%) male patients) were included in this study. The ages of the patients ranged from 14 to 42 years (mean age: 26.25). In nine of the cases (56%), the bleeding was the most obvious complaint. Seven cases (43%) referred to our clinics for cosmetic reasons. There were three cases under 16 years of age (18%). Fourteen lesions (87.5%) were located on the lower lip, two lesions (12.5%) on the upper lip. The duration of complaints of the patients varies between two weeks and six months (mean: five weeks). The average follow-up period was 13 months (6-17 months). Complications and recurrences did not develop in any case after the operation.Discussion and Conclusion: The advantages of surgical excision are allowing the removal of the lesion in one session and the low recurrence rate. We recommend surgical excision for the treatment of pyogenic granulomas located on vermilion because it permits complete histopathologic examination considering that ulcerous and hemorrhagic lesions may be asso-ciated with malignancy and various diseases.