Hemangiomas are a type of blood vessel abnormality that occurs in the first year of life. While this type of malformation typically shrinks and goes away without treatment, they may persist.
Vascular malformations are much less common than hemangiomas. They are composed of abnormally formed capillaries, veins, lymphatics, and/or arteries that are usually larger and weaker than normal vessels.
We treat both hemangiomas and vascular malformations as part of a larger, multidisciplinary team comprised of plastic surgeons, interventional radiologists and dermatologists with a strong interest in evaluating and treating these disorders.
Treatment options may include the following:
- Steroid therapy
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Surgical intervention
- Interferon therapy
- Interventional radiology
Our approach to treating vascular malformations and hemangiomas includes access to the Interventional Radiology Division. As one of the largest and most experienced interventional radiology departments in the world, it offers the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of disease using minimally invasive techniques.
Pediatric patients are seen as part of the Vascular Malformations Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Patients in this program are evaluated by a plastic surgeon and an interventional radiologist to provide the best coordinated care possible.