Craniofacial Anomalies
Vascular Malformations and Hemangiomas
A hemangioma is a type of birthmark. It is also the most common benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the skin. Hemangiomas are seen rarely at birth as a faint red mark, but may grow rapidly in the first months of life.
Hemangiomas are also known as strawberry hemangiomas, strawberry birthmarks and capillary hemangiomas. Hemangiomas occur three to five times more often in females than in males and are more common in premature babies.
A vascular malformation is another type of birthmark, or congenital (present at birth) growth, made up of arteries, veins, capillaries, or lymphatic vessels. There are several different types of malformations and they are named according to which type of blood vessel is predominantly affected.
-
A port wine stain is a malformation of capillaries or venules.
-
Venous malformations are malformations of the veins.
-
Lymphangiomas are malformations of the lymphatic vessels.
Hemangiomas are not usually present at birth or are very faint red marks. Shortly after birth, however, they grow rapidly — often faster than the child's growth. Over time, they become smaller (involute) and lighter in color. The process of involution may take many years. Vascular malformations are present at birth and enlarge proportionately with the growth of the child. They do not involute spontaneously and may become more apparent as the child grows.
The causes are not yet fully understood. It is thought that, in most cases, a genetic mutation is involved; this may occur spontaneously or may be transmitted from the parents. In some cases, hemangiomas and vascular malformations are a manifestation of genetic syndromes that have a variety of inheritance patterns and chances for occurrence, depending on the specific syndrome present.
It is important for children to be evaluated by doctors or centers experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Some hemangiomas and vascular malformations can interfere with eating, breathing, seeing, hearing or speaking, causing severe – even life-threatening – problems that require prompt treatment. Others can cause facial or other deformities that can have significant psychosocial effects. Hemangiomas that grow internally can also be very dangerous and complex to detect.
Treatment for hemangiomas depends upon their size, location, and severity. Treatment is usually not recommended for small, non-invasive hemangiomas, since they often become smaller (involute) on their own and leave behind no significant deformity. However, hemangiomas that cause impairment of vision, feeding or breathing difficulties, bleeding, ulceration, or significant deformity may require medical or surgical intervention. Treatment may include one or more of the following:
What treatments are available for vascular malformations?
For vascular malformations, we often use a combination of treatments. Laser therapy is usually effective in treating skin that has become discolored from the malformation, such as in port wine stains or venous malformations. Sclerosis or embolization (direct injection of a medication that causes clotting) may be useful alone or in combination with surgery for management of lymphatic, venous, or arteriovenous malformations.
What is the best treatment for my child?
At the CHKD Center for Hemangiomas and Vascular Birthmarks, a multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists will work together to design a comprehensive treatment plan appropriate for your child. The Center is open three times each month, on the second and third Fridays at the CHKD main campus in Norfolk, and on the first Tuesday at the CHKD facility in Newport News. For appointments, call at (757) 668-9850.
Click here to view the Online Resources of Craniofacial Anomalies
Disclaimer:
This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
Last reviewed on 5/6/2008