Vascular Malformations
Vascular malformations are benign (non-cancerous) lesions that are present at birth, but which may not be visible for weeks or months after birth. Unlike hemangiomas, vascular malformations do not have a growth cycle and then regress — they continue to grow slowly throughout life. There are several types of vascular malformations:
- Capillary (port wine stains) – always present at birth as pink or purple skin patches
- Venous – often confused with a hemangioma, these malformations are soft to the touch and the color disappears when compressed. They are most commonly found on the jaw, cheek, tongue and lips
- Lymphatic – formed when excess fluid accumulates within the lymphatic vessels
- Arteriovenous – abnormal connections between arteries and veins, resulting in a high flow, pulsating collections of blood vessels
- Mixed – a combination of any of the other four types
Causes
Vascular birthmarks occur sporadically, with no known genetic cause.
Treatment
Early treatment can slow the development of a vascular malformation, and prevent long-term effects. Left untreated, many will darken and thicken as a child grows. We offer several advanced treatment options depending on the size and type of lesion:
- Vbeam laser therapy
- Surgical removal
- Sclerotherapy (the injection of substances that cause the malformation to become inflamed and harden)
Web Resources
National Organization of Vascular Anomalies
Information and Resources
For more information about vascular malformations, call Gillette’s Center for Craniofacial Services at 651-602-3277 or 800-719-4040 (toll-free).
To refer a patient, call 651-229-3944 or 800-719-4040 (toll-free).
