Red veiny patch on gum should I be worried?

[Liam]

Hello all,

I’ve had a red, veiny patch on a specific area of my gum for quite some time now. There has been no pain, soreness, or bleeding associated with it. However, I wanted to reach out to see if this is something I should be concerned about or if it would be advisable to have it examined further.

Any guidance or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Dr M]

Does not look like anything abnormal. Might just be how your tissue looks like in that area due to underlying vasculature. If it enlarges or becomes painful, then you can consider seeing an oral surgeon, but at this stage it does not look like anything sinister.

 

[Naman Dentist]

As a dentist, I would recommend having the red, veiny patch evaluated to rule out any potential concerns. Even in the absence of pain or bleeding, it’s important to monitor and assess any changes to ensure optimal oral health. Regular check-ups are key to prevention and early detection.

 

[Liam]

Does not look like anything abnormal. Might just be how your tissue looks like in that area due to underlying vasculature. If it enlarges or becomes painful, then you can consider seeing an oral surgeon, but at this stage it does not look like anything sinister.

Hi Dr. M,

Thanks again for your reply back on June 12 I really appreciated the reassurance. At the time, the photo I uploaded wasn't very clear, and I’ve since taken some much better quality pictures of the area. Would you mind taking another quick look?

Thanks so much again for your time and help!

 

[Dr M]

I think this is just your underlying vasculature. This vasculature is not the same by each and every tooth and your tissue is not the same thickness all around. So what you are seeing is only minor arteries and veins.

 

[Liam]

I think this is just your underlying vasculature. This vasculature is not the same by each and every tooth and your tissue is not the same thickness all around. So what you are seeing is only minor arteries and veins.

Hi Dr M,


Thanks again for taking the time to review the updated photos and for your reassuring response I really appreciate your help!

I just had one final quick follow-up question out of curiosity and to ease my mind:
Could something like erythroplakia present in this way, or would that usually look quite different?

I understand it’s probably just normal vasculature like you said, and I’m not overly worried just wanted to be thorough.

 

[Dr M]

The only way to definitively diagnose erythroplakia, is to biopsy the area. Based on the appearance, I would not advise cutting there without cause.

 

[Liam]

The only way to definitively diagnose erythroplakia, is to biopsy the area. Based on the appearance, I would not advise cutting there without cause.

Thanks for addressing all my questions. So, it’s safe to say there’s nothing to worry about at all?

 

[Dr M]

Yes. I would not worry unless there are some dramatic changes that you noticed.

 

[Liam]

Yes. I would not worry unless there are some dramatic changes that you noticed.

Hi Dr. M, following up after 5 months since your last reply. There seems to be a very minor slight change - is this normal for vasculature as you mentioned before? Still no pain, bleeding, or other symptoms. Is this a cause for concern? Pretty scared and very worried to go see a Dentist.

 

[Liam]

Hi Dr. M, following up after 5 months since your last reply. There seems to be a very minor slight change - is this normal for vasculature as you mentioned before? Still no pain, bleeding, or other symptoms. Is this a cause for concern? Pretty scared and very worried to go see a Dentist.

enhanced and zoomed in :

 

[Dr M]

At this stage, it sill looks normal to me. I don't see any reason to consider pathology at this stage

 

[Liam]

At this stage, it sill looks normal to me. I don't see any reason to consider pathology at this stage

Hi Dr. M, thank you for your fast response as always. I appreciate you taking another look. I should have been more specific - To clarify my concern - the area appears to have expanded/spread compared to the July photos. What would cause vasculature to expand like this over time? Would you still consider this normal variation?

 

[MattKW]

It's all right. It has no features of erythroplakia. It's just vasculature as Dr M says.

 

[Dr M]

Hi Dr. M, thank you for your fast response as always. I appreciate you taking another look. I should have been more specific - To clarify my concern - the area appears to have expanded/spread compared to the July photos. What would cause vasculature to expand like this over time? Would you still consider this normal variation?

Vasculature is not rigid as well as gum tissue. But everything appears within normal limits. You don't have anything to stress about.