Sclerotherapy by Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate for the Treatment of Minor Vascular Malformations in The Oral Cavity - Time and Patience as a Strategy to Success

Objectives: Vascular malformations in the oral cavity may lead to aesthetic disturbance, pain and spontaneous bleeding. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy and morbidity of sclerotherapy by intralesional injection of 3%-sodium-tetradecyl-sulfate (STS).

Methods: A 2-Year, retrospective cross sectional study, including individuals treated by STS sclerotherapy in a single maxillofacial center.

Results: Twenty-three patients with a total of 25 lesions included. Diagnosis included: 24 venous malformations and 1 lymphatic malformation. Lesions’ maximal diameter ranged 3-40mm. Twenty-three lesions (92%) showed total clinical regression with excellent aesthetic results, 2 showed partial resolution, and 1 treated surgically as well. The average dosage of STS required was 0.05ml/mm. Lesions up to 25mm needed a single application (22, 88%). In most of the cases (20, 80%) healing was still in process after 3 weeks, and the response for treatment couldn’t be determined at that time. Complete resolution achieved usually after 6 weeks or more. No recurrence occurred during the study period. A single injection up to 1ml was found to be well tolerable, with minimal side effects (e.g., swelling, hematoma, pain, ulceration).

Conclusions: Sclerotherapy by 3%-STS is an effective treatment with minimal morbidity when applied in limited dosage. The total dosage and the number of applications necessary are lower than previously reported. The required interval between treatment sessions and the waiting time necessary for complete healing are longer than previously reported. The data suggests that time and patience are a key to success in the field of sclerotherapy.