Information
| Vascular Anomalies |
| The National Organization of Vascular Anomalies is a patient support, advocacy and educational agency for those affected by hemangioma, vascular malformation, rare benign tumors and many related syndromes. Traditionally these tumors and malformations have been called birthmarks. Medicine and science today dictate that they are so much more. |
| Vascular Anomalies: More Than a Birthmark |
| Vascular Anomalies include Tumors and Vascular Malformations. There are a variety of types of tumors and vascular malformations as well as several related syndromes and associations. The National Organization of Vascular Anomalies is a nonprofit organization providing assistance to individuals affected by hemangiomas & vascular malformations. |
| Tumors: Hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of infancy and children. Most develop in the first few weeks of life. These are called Infantile Hemangioma. Others are formed at birth and are called congenital hemangioma. Hemangioma occur in 4-10% of all children, and are more common in females then males. KHE and Tufted Angioma are rare benign vascular tumors that are associated with a specific type of anemia. |
| Vascular Malformations are abnormally developed vessels that can occur in any of the blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. Vascular Malformations are always present at birth but often do not become evident until later in life. Vascular Malformations may involve the smallest vessels as in the case of “Port Wine Stains” or the very large veins and arteries as in an AVM. Lymphatic Malformations are another type of VM result in an excess fluid accumulation in the tissue and blood. |
| Vascular Anomalies are associated with “syndromes”. In medical terminology a syndrome is an association of clinically recognizable signs, symptoms and features that often occur together but with significant variation. A syndrome in itself is not a disease but rather an association of observable features that allows clinicians to form treatment and direct research. Some Syndromes related to Vascular Anomalies include: Sturge Weber, Kilppel Trenaunay, PHACE, CLOVES,
Vascular Anomalies are often confused and misdiagnosed. This leads to frustration for the parents and the families of those affected. |
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NOVA provides this information 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 knowlege. NOVA does not endorse any particular physician, treating facility or treatment protocol. In all cases NOVA, the NOVA Board of Directors and associates recommends that you seek the opinion of a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of hemangioma and vascular malformations. |
| Rev 07/2011 |
