According to the American Academy of Dermatology Birthmarks are areas of discolored, pigmented and or raised skin that are apparent at or near birth. There are many different types of birthmarks; brown pigmented lesions, hemangioma, and vascular malformations.

Most birthmarks are benign skin lesions requiring no treatment. However; some birthmarks are associated with complications and related symptoms that require the opinion of a medical doctor.

Vascular Anomalies have traditionally be called "birthmarks".  This is inacurate.  The clasification of vascular anomalies include, tumors and malformations.  Hemangioma, vascular malformation, benign vascular tumors and malignacies further classify vascular anomalies.   

About 10 of every 100 children born will have a vascular anomaly. Flat pink, red pigmented lesions that appear at birth are the most common vascular lesion reported. The type of lesion is either called an angel kiss or a stork bite. Angel Kiss marks appear on the forehead and or eyelids. They typically fade by age 2. Stork bites appear on the back of the neck and may last into adulthood. No treatment is required for these types of lesions.

Hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of infancy and children. They vary is size, depth and location. They appear within the first weeks of life, will generally grow for a year and then will spontaneously regress over the next few years. Statistically most hemangiomas are not problematic however; there are some hemangiomas that can cause significant medical concerns and need an evaluation by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of hemangioma.  There are hemangiomas that are fully formed at bith, this is a different classifcation from the more common lesion that develops after birth.

Vascular Malformations are abnormally developed blood vessels that result in a mass and or hyperpigmentation of the surrounding skin. Vascular Malformations occurring in the small vessels called capillaries / venules are classified as Port Wine Stains. Vascular Malformations can involve the veins and arteries as well. Vascular Malformations may be present at birth but may not become apparent until later in life. Vascular Malformations grow with an individual and do not spontaneously regress.

Because of the complicated etiology of hemangioma and vascular malformation it is the opinion of many physicians and researchers that these anomalies are more serious then the name birthmark. It is for this reason that Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations are considered to be Vascular Anomalies by many physicians and professional groups.

** NOTE** Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations may be associated with other serious diseases and syndromes. It is important to have all vascular anomalies evaluated by a physician.

NOVA PROVIDES THIS INFORMATION TO FAMILIES AS A RESOURCE. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE OR TO REPLACE THE PHYSICIAN. NOVA DOES NOT CLAIM TO HAVE MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE. NOVA DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY PARTICULAR PHYSICIAN, TREATING FACILITY OR TREATMENT PROTOCAL. IN ALL CASES NOVA AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU SEEK THE OPINION OF A PHYSICIAN EXPERIENCED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEMANGIOMAS AND VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS. 

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