Venous and lymphatic malformations are abnormal collections of veins and lymphatic cysts. They may be visible at birth or become visible as your child gets older. Venous malformations may not be apparent until later in childhood and often increase in size during or close to puberty. These are benign lesions that have no potential to spread to other parts of the body. Indications for treatment are:
- Cosmetic concerns
- Functional impairment
- Pain
These lesions historically have been treated with surgical removal but we have found that surgery alone often does not remove the entire lesion, may result in significant scarring and may put nerves and muscles at risk.
The preferred treatment is sclerotherapy with surgery following, if needed, to correct cosmetic problems. Our team of Interventional Radiologists partner closely with the plastic surgery team to provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to each child’s care and treatment plan.