Hemangioma & Vascular Malformations Program

When your child is born with a hemangioma, venous malformation, or lymphatic malformation, you are understandably full of questions. You want to know the extent of the condition, and how it will affect your child as they grow. These abnormal growths can be exclusively cosmetic, affecting appearance, or cause other problems involving vision, breathing, swallowing, and other functions.

At the Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations Program, our doctors provide highly specialized care throughout the lifespan—starting before birth, when conditions may be detected during prenatal screening, and continuing through infancy, childhood, and into adulthood. We also offer preconception consultations for adults with a history of vascular malformation who are planning pregnancy.

We provide treatment that is specific to each person’s individual condition. Our team of specialists works together to help you make informed care decisions for you or your child.

Vascular Malformations

Vascular malformations are abnormal growths of blood or lymph vessels. They may not be noticeable at birth, but can become more visible as a child grows. They do not go away or shrink on their own. Depending on the location, they can affect a child’s appearance.

Vascular malformations interfere with the flow of blood through veins, arteries, or capillaries; and the flow of lymph, the fluid that carries disease-fighting white blood cells through the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. This can cause pain and swelling, as well as problems with blood clotting, circulation, and, in rare cases, the functioning of other systems throughout the body.

Vascular malformations fall into the following categories:

• capillary malformations, including birthmarks such as port wine stains, which are present at birth and appear as red-purplish skin discolorations
• venous malformations, which appear as growths or blue-tinged bruises
• lymphatic malformations, which can cause visible lumps or small bumps, sometimes called blebs, which may leak
• arteriovenous malformations, which form when arteries and veins become tangled

Vascular malformations can occur anywhere in the body, and often require imaging tests to determine the extent and exact location.

Vascular malformations may be detected before birth during prenatal ultrasound. They are also diagnosed throughout childhood, and in some cases are not detected until adulthood.

Hemangiomas of Infancy

Hemangiomas of infancy are benign tumors that are usually not obvious at birth but typically appear within the first several weeks of life. They may be on the surface of the skin and grow outward or under the skin, or both. It is normal for hemangiomas to increase in size during the first several months of life.

Not all hemangiomas require treatment, depending on the location, size, and stage of growth. Early referral to a specialist and prompt evaluation and treatment can help prevent problems and minimize the need for surgery or other interventions.

Treatment for Vascular Malformations and Hemangiomas

Care is coordinated by NYU Langone experts in many specialties, including dermatology, gastroenterology, genetics, hematology, interventional radiology, maternal–fetal medicine, neurology, neuroradiology, oculoplastic surgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, pulmonology, and radiology.

Vascular malformations and some hemangiomas of infancy may be associated with other syndromes. Our specialists monitor for signs of these syndromes so that your child receives the best possible care. During your child’s first visit with our team, we take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and talk with you about your child’s condition. When indicated, we recommend diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, ultrasound exams, and MRI scans, offered without sedation for infants less than 2 months old. We develop a treatment plan that can include medication, laser treatments, nonsurgical treatment by interventional radiologists, or surgery.

For adults, we talk with you about your medical history and current symptoms, and develop a treatment plan based on your goals, whether they are cosmetic, or related to pregnancy or existing medical complications.

As part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, we provide children and their families with support services through Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care. This includes child life specialists who can be a calming presence during medical visits, testing, and treatment.

Rehabilitation care, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech–language pathology, is available through Rusk Rehabilitation.