Management of atypical cellular angiofibroma arising in the oral cavity using Er, Cr: YSGG laser: a case report

Cellular angiofibroma (CAF) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that usually arises in the genital region. It is comprised of cellular fibrous tissue stroma with an enhanced vascular component in the form of blood vessels with varying sizes. It is commonly treated by surgical excision. We report an atypical presentation of CAF in the oral cavity and discuss aspects related to its clinicopathological characteristics. Lasers are becoming widely used in the management of oral lesions due to their beneficial effects such as: less pain, bleeding, appropriate homeostasis, shorter recovery times, fewer analgesics used. This is the first case of CAF treated with laser.

The lesion was completely excised with Er, Cr: YSGG 2780 nm laser (WaterLase iPlus®, Foothill Ranch, CA, USA) with parameters (2.5 W, 40 Hz, air 20, water 40, H mode, tip MZ6). Histological examination and immunohistochemical interpretation were done revealing the diagnosis of CAF.

There was less post operative pain and minimal bleeding to the patient with antibacterial effect. Also, there were no complications nor recurrence after two weeks and 6 months of follow up.

Laser offers a new and effective treatment of CAF developing in the oral cavity.