Vascular Malformations and Their Treatment in the Growing Patient

Vascular anomalies consisting of 2 groups of lesions, vascular tumors and vascular malformations, frequently arise in the head and neck and often occur in the pediatric age group. This classification is based on the differences in natural history, histologic features, and cellular turnover of the 2 groups. The management of these anomalies can be challenging, and evidence-based decisions about treatment are complicated by an inconsistency in the nomenclature for these lesions found in the literature. This article covers the clinical presentation, etiology, and pathophysiology and treatment approaches of the vascular anomalies in the pediatric population.