VENOUS LAKE

What is a Venous Lake?

A venous lake is a dark blue to purple, soft, asymptomatic papule that occurs on the face, lips and ears of patients greater than 50 years old due to a collection of dilated venules.  They are benign (non-cancerous) and occur on sun exposed sites.  They often can mimic a melanoma or pigmented basal cell carcinoma thus examination is warranted.   The exact cause of these lesions is unknown, but it has been related to sun exposure.  

What is the treatment?

Venous lakes are benign and usually asymptomatic so treatment is for cosmetic reasons.  The lesions can be treated with electro surgery, laser therapy or sometimes surgical excision.