Cutaneous vascular lesions

In 1982, vascular anomalies were classified as either vascular tumors or vascular malformations. Hemangiomas were identified as benign tumors that undergo a phase of active growth characterized by endothelial proliferation and hypercellularity, followed by gradual tumor regression over the first decade. Vascular malformations were described as structural congenital anomalies derived from capillaries, veins, lymphatic vessels, arteries, or a combination of these. Unlike vascular tumors, vascular malformations were shown to have normal levels of endothelial turnover and to grow proportionately with the child. This article describes the most common types of vascular anomalies and available treatment modalities.