The Evaluation of Upper Labial Swelling: An Arteriovenous Malformation

Vascular malformations, which include disorders of the lymphatic or vascular systems, can appear in a variety of ways on radiographs, in the radiological department, and histologically. High-flow lesions with direct arteriovenous connections are known as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). These lesions can cause soft tissue loss and deformity since they are difficult to diagnose early. This case report describes a 75-year-old female who presented with a severe bluish-purple swelling on her top lip. After conducting a thorough investigation, the patient's condition was quickly identified as AVM. After confirmation by USG Doppler and histological examination, the patient underwent a successful surgical resection that revealed a confined vascular lesion suggestive of AVM. The discussion explores the hemodynamic and embryologic factors that contribute to the formation of AVM, pointing out differences in hemodynamic properties and clinical symptoms. Treatment choices are influenced by the categorization of peripheral AVMs according to clinical standards and angiographic flow characteristics.

Upper Lip Lift Excision Used as Full-Thickness Skin Graft for Mohs Reconstruction of the Philtrum: A Case Report

Background

Upper lip defects pose a significant challenge for the reconstructive surgeon to produce an aesthetically pleasing result.

Case Presentation

This article reviews 2 cases of middle-aged women who underwent upper lip lift excisions that were used as full-thickness skin grafts for reconstruction of philtral defects after Mohs excision of cutaneous carcinomas.

Conclusions

Using the upper lip lift as a full-thickness skin graft donor site can result in superior results to other donor sites for reconstruction of philtral defects.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma of the upper lip misdiagnosed benign desmoplastic trichoepithelioma

BACKGROUND

Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DT) is a benign appendageal tumour predominately localized on the facial skin. The histological diagnosis can be difficult in some cases. Partial malignant transformation of a DT is a rarity and a complete transformation has never been described in literature.

CASE REPORT

A DT of the upper lip was diagnosed histologically by a small biopsy 4 years previously. At presentation, the tumour had enlarged and had partly infiltrated the left side of the upper lip and subnasal region. Histological evaluation confirmed a microcystic adnexal carcinoma but without evidence of malignant transformation of the DT. It appeared that a too-small initial biopsy had led to the incorrect histological diagnosis of a benign tumour. Thus, it was necessary to perform a tumour resection and reconstruction using a two-flap technique including a rotation flap and an Abbé flap. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were good after 6 months. There were no recurrences during a 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

A facial DT should be resected completely. Patients should be attended for follow-ups, keeping in mind the difficulty of making a proper histological diagnosis from small biopsies or excisions and the consequences of ablative facial surgery. However, in particular cases, subtotal defects of the upper lip region are amenable to reconstruction without gross functional or aesthetic deficits.