Electrocauterization is the process of heating tissue with electricity. The procedure is frequently used to stop bleeding.

Cauterization

Electrocauterization (or electrocautery) is a safe procedure that is routinely used in surgery to remove unwanted or harmful tissue. It can also be used to burn and seal blood vessels, which helps reduce or stop massive bleeding (hemorrhaging).

A small probe with an electric current running through it is used to burn or destroy the tissue. A grounding pad is placed on the body (usually the thigh) before the surgery to protect the patient.

Roberts JR, Hedges JR. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004;749-766.

Spider angioma is an abnormal collection of blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Nevus araneus

Spider angiomas are very common. They are especially common during pregnancy and in patients with liver disease. They occur in both children and adults.

• Blood vessel sore (lesion)
  • May have a red dot in the center
  • Has reddish extensions that reach out from the center
  • Disappears with pressure and reappears when pressure is released
• Most often seen on the face and neck

No testing is usually necessary, but a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis in some cases. Blood tests may be done if a liver problem is suspected.

Treatment is generally not necessary. In some cases, electrocauterization or laser treatment may be used.

Spider angiomas often disappear in children but tend to persist in adults.

A spider angioma can usually be examined during a routine visit with your health care provider. It is important to mention to your doctor if you develop a new spider angioma, to rule out related medical conditions.

A gum biopsy is a surgery in which a small piece of gingival (gum) tissue is removed for examination.

Biopsy - gingiva (gums)

A painkiller is sprayed into the mouth in the area of the abnormal gum tissue. In some cases, a numbing injection may be used. A small piece of the gum tissue that appears abnormal is removed and checked for problems in the laboratory.

There is no special preparation, although you may be told not to eat for a few hours before the biopsy.

The topical anesthetic should numb the area during the procedure, although some tugging or pressure may be felt. If there is bleeding, the blood vessels may be sealed off with an electric current or laser. This is called electrocauterization. After the numbness wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.

This test is done to determine the cause of abnormal gum tissue.

This test is only performed when there is an abnormality.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

• Amyloid
• Noncancerous mouth sores (the specific cause can be determined in many cases)
• Oral cancer(for example, squamous cell carcinoma)
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)

• Bleeding from the biopsy site
• Infection of the gums
• Soreness

Avoid brushing the biopsy area for 1 week.