Hemangioma and Lymphangioma

Abstract

Vascular anomalies are common, and the majority present in childhood. The terminology has been confusing, but there is now a consensus classification, which distinguishes vascular tumors, such as hemangiomas, from vascular malformations, which can be capillary, lymphatic, venous or arterial. Most vascular anomalies are of cosmetic importance only, but symptoms can be both distressing and dangerous, and choice of treatment depends upon accurate diagnosis and careful assessment of the extent of the abnormality. This is often not apparent on simple clinical examination.