Vascular nevi

Vascular nevi occur in up to 70% of infants. The term includes hemangiomas, of which the majority involute, and vascular malformations, such as port wine stains which tend to persist. The appearance, and in some cases rapid growth of the lesion, may be alarming to the parents and may cause great distress to the patient. In rare cases systemic involvement and associated abnormalities may be life threatening or permanently disabling. Correct diagnosis of the type of lesion is vital to know the prognosis of the lesion, the likelihood of complications and whether investigations and treatment are indicated.