A venous lake is a common type of benign vascular lesion that can appear on the skin. While their appearance might initially cause concern, these formations are generally harmless.
What is a Venous Lake?
A venous lake is a non-cancerous vascular lesion resulting from a dilated venule, which is a small vein located close to the surface of the skin. This dilation causes blood to pool, creating a distinct dark blue to purple bump.
These formations are considered benign and do not pose a serious health risk. Venous lakes are particularly common in older individuals, typically appearing in people over 50 years of age.
Recognizing a Venous Lake
A venous lake typically presents as a soft, compressible, dark blue to purple spot or bump. Its size can vary, often ranging from 2 to 10 millimeters in width, and it may be flat or slightly dome-shaped. A key identifying feature is its compressibility; applying pressure can cause the blood inside to drain, making the lesion flatten or temporarily lighten in color before refilling once the pressure is released.
These lesions frequently appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. Common locations include the lips, especially the lower lip, as well as the ears, face, and neck. While the exact cause is not fully understood, chronic sun exposure and aging are considered contributing factors that may weaken superficial veins.
When to Seek Medical Advice and Treatment Options
While venous lakes are benign, seeking medical advice is advisable for a definitive diagnosis, especially since their appearance can sometimes resemble more serious conditions like melanoma. A healthcare professional can typically diagnose a venous lake through a clinical examination, often by observing its characteristic appearance and compressibility. In some cases, dermoscopy or a biopsy might be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for venous lakes is generally not medically necessary unless they cause symptoms like recurring bleeding or soreness, or if they are a cosmetic concern. Various treatment options are available, primarily for cosmetic removal:
- Laser therapy, such as pulsed dye laser (PDL) or Nd:YAG laser, targets the blood in the enlarged vein, causing it to shrink.
- Cryotherapy involves freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen, leading to its destruction and subsequent healing.
- Surgical excision, which involves cutting out the lesion, is another option, though it may leave a scar.
- Sclerotherapy, where a solution is injected to close off the vessel, has also shown effectiveness for some venous lakes.