Vascular Malformations at North Austin Campus

A vascular malformation consists of arteries, veins or lymphatic vessels that have developed abnormally. Sometimes, it consists of a combination of these three types of vessels. Vascular malformations are present at birth, but are often not visible until later. Below are some of the most common types of vascular malformations that may occur in the head and neck of children:

• Capillary malformation (CM): These malformations are also known as port-wine stains. They consist of superficial capillaries, and appear as pink stains. They can occur anywhere in the body, and often occur in the head and neck. They are often treated with laser therapy.
• Venous malformation (VM): these malformations appear as blue, compressible lesions that get larger with gravity, and smaller with elevation. They are present at birth, but may not be noticed until later in life. Sometimes, they can form calcified clots (named phleboliths) which can lead to pain. They usually require multidisciplinary treatment, consisting of a combination of compression, sclerotherapy, medication, and surgery.
• Lymphatic malformation (LM): these are abnormally formed and enlarged lymphatic channels. They are usually present at birth, but may not be noticed until later in life. They can occur anywhere in the body, and often occur in the head and neck. They consist of fluid-filled cysts. Depending on the size of the cysts, lymphatic malformations may be treated with compression, sclerotherapy, medication or surgery.
• Arterio-venous malformation (AVM): these are abnormal connections between arteries and veins, where the blood flows rapidly. They are usually present at birth, but may not be noticed until later. They often occur in the head and neck. They are usually treated with embolization, medication or surgery.