Comparison of Hemangiomas and Vascular Malformations

Hemangiomas 30% are visible at birth

• Color varies from red – superficial, to blue/purple if deeper Growth – grows intermittently through the first year of life then stops growing and variably involutes (shrinks).
• Incidence – 3-5 time as common in females, also more common in premature babies and twins

Vascular Malformations

• Always present at birth, but may not be apparent until months/years later
• Color depends on type
  • Midline venular malformations – light pink/red and always superficial
  • Venular Malformations (port wine stains) – vary from pink to darker purple and always superficial
  • Venous – purple if superficial, light blue to colorless if deep
  • Arteriovenous – reddish stain frequent of overlying skin with small telangiectasias (superficial blood vessels)
  • Lymphatic malformation – frequently colorless but may have little vesicles which resemble fish eggs, commonly in the mouth/tongue or in area of previous excisions.
• Growth – tends to grow and expand throughout life, lymphatic malformations may swell with infections. Do not involute.
• Incidence – no gender preference