Vascular anomalies of the head and neck: diagnosis and treatment

Vascular malformations and vascular tumors comprise the two specific subsets of vascular anomalies that arise as a result of disorganized angiogenesis and neoplasm, respectively. Malformations are separate entities from vascular tumors (e.g., hemangiomas) and are recognized by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) as such. Vascular malformations are classified into four main groups: simple, combined, anomalies of major vessels, and those associated with other vascular anomalies. Vascular tumors are neoplastic growths of blood vessels and are morphologically and molecularly distinct from malformations but can arise in the head and neck and have syndromic association. Head and neck vascular anomalies are not uncommon in the pediatric population and require special care in the workup, diagnostic imaging and clinical care. The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the diagnosis and management of the most common intracranial and extracranial vascular malformations and tumors in the head and neck in children and adolescents.