Oral varices are dilated veins that presumably develop due to loss of connective tissue tone of the vascular wall. They generally begin developing after 40 years of age and are found commonly in older adults. They are not associated with hypertension or cardiopulmonary diseases.

Most commonly found on the ventral tongue in two thirds of adults over 60 years of age and present as multiple, soft, well-circumscribed bluish-purple papules.

A solitary varix is also fairly common, affecting the lips and buccal mucosa, and presenting as a nontender, bluish-purple papule or nodule. Thrombus formation is often seen in these lesions due to the sluggish vascular flow, and the resultant mild enlargement and firmness may bring the lesion to the patient's attention.