Vascular Malformations

Another type of birthmark is called a vascular malformation, which is present at birth and made up of clusters of arteries, veins, capillaries, or lymphatic vessels. Even though vascular malformations are congenital, and will grow slowly, proportionately, and steadily along with the child, some patients may not exhibit symptoms until adulthood. Depending on their location and size, vascular anomalies can cause severe disfigurement and even interfere with the affected area’s normal functions, causing symptoms including pain, swelling, or bleeding.

Unlike vascular tumors, such as hemangiomas that can shrink or even disappear, vascular malformations will require treatment in order to manage the symptoms or resolve the underlying condition.

Common types of vascular malformations include the following:

• Port wine stains
• Lymphatic malformations
• Arteriovenous malformations
• Venous malformations
• Other vascular malformations, which include midline venular malformations, Klippel-­Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), and angiokeratoma