The 578-nm copper vapor laser in the treatment of cavernous hemangiomas in the oral cavity

A variety of operative and nonoperative treatment methods have been proposed to deal with cavernous hemangiomas. In an otorhinolaryngological unit where experience has been gained from managing superficial vascular lesions in Chinese skin with the 578-nm copper vapor laser, three patients with symptomatic large mucosal hemangiomas in the oral cavity were treated. All lesions have shown significant shrinkage after a single treatment utilizing an energy level of 20 J/cm 2. No further treatment, surgical or laser, has been necessary after follow-up of at least 12 months. The unique biological and tissue interaction of the copper vapor laser light is believed to be responsible for this remarkable response.