What are the differences between hemangiomas and vascular malformations?
Typically, hemangiomas are not present at birth. They usually become noticeable between one and four weeks of age and may continue to grow for another 9 to 12 months. Hemangiomas, which are made up of capillaries, then begin a slow shrinking process called involution. In most cases, this natural process of shrinking is insufficient and some intervention will be necessary to restore the patients appearance.Vascular malformations, on the other hand, are always present at birth, although they may not become apparent immediately. They consist of arteries, veins, or lymphatic channels, depending on the type of malformation. Unlike hemangiomas, vascular malformations do not shrink over time; they tend to grow and expand slowly. Males and females are affected equally by vascular malformations. There are five major types: midline venular malformations (“stork bites”), venular malformations (port wine stains), venous, arteriovenous, and lymphatic.
