Most
birthmarks do not need to be treated. However, most patients
(particularly patients with port-wine stain) with easily noticeable birthmarks seek a treatment for
cosmetic reasons.
Infantile
hemangiomas usually shrink gradually and do not require
treatment. However, in certain clinical situations,
pharmacological or invasive interventions (laser, surgery or
embolization) may be indicated. Please click here
to go to hemangioma management section for further
information.
Venous
malformations (or commonly and erroneously called
"cavernous hemangiomas") are common birthmarks
with various venous abnormalities and may cause significant
pain and discomfort depending on the size and location of
the lesion, and therefore require treatment (sclerotherapy).
Arteriovenous
malformations (AVM) are fast-flow vascular birthmarks
and may grow rapidly; any form of AVM needs
to be treated.
Most
lymphatic malformations or lymphatic
venous malformations require treatment because of
the significant discomfort, associated infections
and/or anatomical disconfiguration caused by the
malformation.
Other
vascular anomalies (or complex vascular or lymphatic
birthmarks) need to be treated based on clinical
symptomatology.
Overall,
it is very important to obtain an accurate diagnosis and to be seen by
an experienced physician who is dedicated to the Vascular
Anomalies field. If treatment is necessary, it should be managed by an
experienced physician in the field.
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