What is the difference between hemangioma and vascular malformation?

In brief, hemangiomas are vascular tumors that are rarely apparent at birth, grow rapidly during the first 6 months of life, involute with time and do not necessarily infiltrate but can sometimes be destructive. Vascular malformations are irregular vascular networks defined by their particular blood vessel type.

Is a hemangioma a vascular lesion?

Hemangiomas. Hemangiomas are the most common type of vascular lesion in children They are benign, or noncancerous, tumors of the cells that line blood vessels. They usually appear at or shortly after birth as faint areas of pinkish-red discoloration of the skin and then quickly undergo a period of rapid growth.

Is a hemangioma a vascular birthmark?

Vascular birthmarks are caused by abnormal growth or formation of blood vessels and vessel cells. There are two main types of vascular birthmarks: hemangiomas (strawberry birthmarks) or vascular malformations. Haemangiomas are caused by overgrowth of the cells providing the lining for vessels in the affected area.

Is a vascular malformation a tumor?

Vascular malformations are benign (non-cancerous) lesions that are present at birth, but may not become visible for weeks or months after birth. Unlike hemangiomas, vascular malformations do not have a growth cycle and then regress but instead continue to grow slowly throughout life.

Do vascular malformations go away?

They may go away without treatment. Vascular malformations grow slowly throughout life. They don’t shrink. They usually require treatment.

How is vascular malformation treated?

How are vascular malformations treated?

1. Catheter-based techniques such as embolization, a procedure to close off a problematic blood vessel; and sclerotherapy, the injection of a chemical to cause a vessel to close.
2. Laser therapy.
3. Simple observation with regular follow-up visits.

Are vascular malformations painful?

Arteriovenous malformations may cause pain. They are also more stressful on the heart because of the rapid shunting of blood from arteries to veins. Depending on their location, they may also result in bleeding (for example from the bowels, from the uterus or from the bladder).

How do you get rid of vascular malformation?

Can hemangiomas become cancerous?

Because hemangiomas very rarely become cancerous, most do not require any medical treatment. However, some hemangiomas can be disfiguring, and many people seek a doctor’s care for cosmetic reasons. In most cases of hemangioma, treatment does not involve surgery.

Can hemangiomas spread?

Hemangiomas do not spread to other places in the body or to other people. A child can have more than one hemangioma.

Can a vascular malformation burst?

When an AVM disrupts this critical process, the surrounding tissues may not get enough oxygen. Also, because the tangled blood vessels that form the AVM are abnormal, they can weaken and rupture. If the AVM is in the brain and ruptures, it can cause bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage), stroke or brain damage.