Vascular tumors can appear at birth or during infancy, often presenting as red, raised growths that may cause pain, bleeding, or cosmetic concerns. Led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O, the Vascular Birthmark Institute offers expert diagnosis and advanced, personalized treatment for hemangiomas and complex vascular anomalies.
What Are Vascular Tumors?
Vascular tumors are abnormal growths formed from blood vessels and can vary widely in appearance, severity, and behavior. Some, like infantile hemangiomas, may grow rapidly before gradually shrinking, while others, such as congenital hemangiomas, are fully formed at birth. Though many are benign, some vascular tumors can lead to complications like bleeding, ulceration, or disfigurement. Our expert team, led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O, specializes in accurately diagnosing and treating all vascular tumors to deliver optimal outcomes.
Signs & Symptoms of Vascular Tumors:
- Red, purple, or blue raised skin lesions
- Rapid growth of a birthmark or skin mass during infancy
- Swelling or lump under the skin
- Ulceration or bleeding from the lesion
- Pain or tenderness at the site
- Skin discoloration or visible blood vessels
- Functional impairment depending on tumor location (e.g., near the eye, airway, or organs)
- Warmth or increased temperature over the lesion
- Cosmetic disfigurement affecting the face or body
Types of Vascular Tumors
Hemangiomas
Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors made up of an abnormal buildup of blood vessels. They can occur anywhere on the body and are typically classified based on timing and behavior. While many hemangiomas are harmless and resolve without treatment, others may require medical or surgical intervention due to rapid growth, bleeding, or cosmetic impact.
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Infantile Hemangiomas
Infantile hemangiomas are the most common type of vascular tumor in children. These growths usually appear within the first few weeks of life and undergo a rapid growth phase followed by gradual involution over months or years. While many resolve on their own, those located near vital structures or causing complications may need medication, laser therapy, or surgery.
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Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma
Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is a rare and locally aggressive vascular tumor that typically affects infants and young children. It is often associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, a potentially life-threatening condition involving low platelet counts and blood clotting issues. This tumor requires prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management.
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Non-Involuting Congenital Hemangioma (NICH)
NICH is a vascular tumor that is fully developed at birth and, unlike infantile hemangiomas, does not shrink over time. These lesions remain stable or slowly grow and can cause persistent cosmetic or functional concerns. Surgical excision is often the preferred treatment, particularly when the tumor affects a visible area or interferes with normal functions.
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Rapidly Involuting Congenital Hemangioma (RICH)
RICH lesions are fully formed at birth and begin to shrink shortly after. Most RICH tumors involute significantly within the first year of life, but they can leave behind redundant skin, fibrofatty tissue, or a lump. In such cases, laser treatment or surgical correction may be recommended to restore a more typical and cosmetically desirable appearance.
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Pyogenic Granuloma
Pyogenic granulomas are small, red, rapidly growing vascular lesions that often develop after skin trauma or irritation. Though benign, they are prone to bleeding and can be bothersome due to their fragile surface. These are typically treated with laser therapy, topical medications, or surgical removal. We offer safe and effective treatments to minimize scarring and recurrence.
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Treatments for Vascular Tumors
At the Vascular Birthmark Institute, your treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation by our expert team, led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O. We assess the type, size, location, and behavior of the vascular tumor using physical examination and advanced imaging tools. Our goal is to develop a personalized plan that considers both medical needs and aesthetic outcomes. While some vascular tumors resolve on their own, others may require intervention.
Medical Therapy
Certain vascular tumors respond well to medications that help shrink or control their growth. One commonly used medication is propranolol, a beta-blocker originally developed to treat high blood pressure. In vascular tumors, propranolol works by narrowing blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the lesion, and triggering cell death within the tumor. This leads to a noticeable reduction in size and color over time. For more aggressive tumors or those linked with clotting issues, additional medications may be used to limit tumor spread.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment is frequently used for superficial vascular tumors and residual skin discoloration. Pulsed dye lasers (PDL) are especially effective because they target the red pigment in blood vessels without damaging the surrounding tissue. The laser heats and seals off the abnormal vessels, causing them to shrink and fade over time. Laser therapy is non-invasive and typically performed in multiple sessions for the best cosmetic results. It is often used with other treatments or after a tumor has involuted to improve skin tone and texture.
Surgical Treatment
When a vascular tumor causes functional impairment, fails to respond to medical therapy, or leaves behind excess tissue after shrinking, surgery may be recommended. Surgical excision involves removing the tumor while preserving the healthy tissue. In the hands of skilled surgeons like Dr. Waner and Dr. O, the procedure not only addresses medical concerns but also focuses on achieving optimal cosmetic outcomes, especially when the tumor affects the face or visible areas. Surgical options are tailored to the individual’s anatomy.
Multimodal Approach
Some vascular tumors require a combination of treatments to achieve the best results. For example, an infantile hemangioma near the eye might be managed with medication to shrink it, followed by laser therapy to even out skin tone. A congenital hemangioma that leaves behind a lump may need both surgery and cosmetic laser resurfacing. We offer a full spectrum of care and coordinate each aspect of your treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Schedule Your Consultation
Vascular Birthmark Institute is a world-renowned center specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular tumors and anomalies. Led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O, our team provides expert, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s unique condition. Whether your child’s vascular tumor requires monitoring, medication, laser therapy, or surgery, we are here to guide you through every step. Early evaluation can make a meaningful difference—schedule your consultation to explore the best treatment options for vascular tumors.
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