Vascular malformations

Vascular malformations are abnormal clusters of blood vessels that a child is born with. They can involve veins, arteries, capillaries, lymphatic vessels—or a combination of these—and may appear anywhere on the body, including the skin, muscles, or deeper tissues.

They are not cancerous, but may grow with the child, and in some cases, they can cause symptoms such as:

  • Visible swelling, redness or bluish discoloration

  • Pain, bleeding, or ulceration

  • Interference with function (e.g. vision, breathing, eating, or movement)

  • Recurrent infections, especially in lymphatic malformations

  • Cosmetic or psychological distress

 There are several types of vascular malformations:

  • Venous malformations – soft, blue, and compressible lesions

  • Capillary malformations (e.g. port-wine stains) – flat red or pink patches

  • Lymphatic malformations – often soft, cyst-like swellings that may become infected

  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) – high-flow lesions that may cause warmth, pulsation, or pain


Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and symptoms. Options may include:

  • Surgical removal, if the lesion is accessible and causing symptoms

  • Sclerotherapy – injecting medicine into the lesion to shrink it

  • Laser treatment, especially for capillary malformations

  • Observation, if the lesion is small, stable, and not causing problems

    • Treatment may require a general anaesthetic, especially in young children

    • Some procedures (e.g. sclerotherapy or laser) are performed in short sessions, and your child may be able to go home the same day

    • Surgical excision may involve a short hospital stay, especially if the malformation is large or in a sensitive area

    • A small dressing will be placed over the treated area, and instructions will be given on wound care

    • Mild pain, bruising, and swelling are common for the first few days

    • Paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually enough for pain relief

    • Depending on the treatment, your child may need to wear a support garment or bandage

    • Avoid vigorous activity or contact sports for 1–2 weeks

    • Keep the area clean and dry, and follow advice on dressing changes if needed

    • A follow-up appointment will be arranged to assess healing and discuss next steps

    • If a lesion has been removed, stitches may be dissolvable or removed in 5–10 days

  • All procedures carry some risks. In treating vascular malformations, these may include:

    • Bleeding or bruising

    • Infection

    • Scarring

    • Recurrence or incomplete removal – vascular malformations may regrow or persist

    • Nerve or tissue damage, depending on location

    • Skin changes such as discolouration, especially after sclerotherapy or laser

    Mr. Eccles will explain the specific risks depending on the location and type of malformation.

    • Some vascular malformations can be fully removed or significantly improved with treatment

    • Others may require multiple sessions or ongoing monitoring

    • While some lesions stay stable over time, others can re-expand as the child grows

    • Long-term care and support are available if further treatment is needed

    Mr Eccles will guide you through the best treatment plan for your child and explain what results to expect.

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