Head and neck vascular malformation / hemangioma / lymphatic malformation

A vascular malformation is a condition where this network of vessels does not develop normally.

There are various types of vascular malformations in the body. The common types seen in practice are venous malformations and arterio-venous malformations. Venous malformations look like bluish or skin colored small soft lumps under the skin or they can be extremely large causing gross enlargement or deformity of the affected part. Arterio-venous malformations are usually more obvious at presentation associated with high blood flow in the affected part.

In the brain and spine, we usually see arteriovenous malformation or arteriovenous fistula. Other related conditions such as venous malformations, hemangiomas, lymphatic malformations are usually seen in locations such as face, head/neck region and rest of the body.

Where Can They Occur?

As mentioned above, they can occur anywhere in the body. One of the common areas affected is face, and head and neck region. They are also common in the limbs. One of the most critical locations is presence of arteriovenous malformations within the brain and spinal cord.

What is the Age Group?

Any age group can present first time with vascular malformation. Most of these grow with time. They are commonly seen in young patients. However, in some patients these present when they are older having slowly grown over the years.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms depend on their location in the body. The ones inside the brain are life-threatening. On the other hand, one of the commoner presentations can be as a soft lump in the facial region causing facial asymmetry that can be cosmetically disfiguring. They can also undergo repeated bleeding and can invade surrounding body structures, causing problems eventually.

What are the Treatment Options?

Vascular malformations usually required specialized care and management. These depend on the site, location and symptoms of the vascular malformation. Treatments include minimally invasive treatment methods or surgery or medical therapy in a selected subgroup of patients. Majority of the time, we can take care of them or at least control them using minimally invasive techniques. These minimally invasive techniques include sclerotherapy and embolization. A number of patients may require combination treatment often in multiple sessions. There is high risk of recurrence if not treated adequately or meticulously at the first instance Sclerotherapy involves injecting chemical into the malformation to block from inside.

Treatment of vascular malformations is complex often requiring multidisciplinary approach to treatment. It often requires dedicated treatment that is best managed by practitioners well versed with management of these conditions. We encompass and offer diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular malformations. 

There are more several types of neurointerventional treatments we offer to treat different problems that occur in the brain, spine, head, and neck.