title: Silver nitrate burn of the lower lip: a case report.
abstract: Silver nitrate is used in medicine to treat a number of conditions because of its cauterizing properties. This case report describes management of a silver nitrate burn of the oral mucosa that resulted in a large mass of necrotic tissue and accompanying pain in a 41-year-old man. The patient bit his lip and received silver nitrate treatment from a physician. Significant swelling and pain occurred over a period of 3 weeks after application. Analysis of a biopsy specimen revealed necrotic tissue with chronically inflamed granulation tissue. The lesion persisted, and it was determined that debridement was necessary to enhance wound healing and prevent significant scar formation. The patient was reexamined 10 days and 1 month after debridement. The lesion had significantly decreased in size, and the patient reported notable reduction of pain. The final follow-up at 3 months showed a desirable result with minimal scar formation. Use of concentrated silver nitrate for cautery can result in significant damage to mucous membranes, including oral mucosa.
authors.forename: Seema
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ganatra
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002425:Cautery / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D012835:Silver Nitrate / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D012835:Silver Nitrate
keywords: chemical cautery; silver nitrate; tissue necrosis