Multimodality treatment of vascular anomalies of the head and neck

J Oral Pathol Med. 2022 Nov;51(10):860-871. doi: 10.1111/jop.13322. Epub 2022 Jul 25.

Abstract

Background: Vascular anomalies affect up to 5% of children with the majority affecting the head and neck. They present at different ages as a wide variety of lesions. A careful evaluation with history, physical examination, and imaging assists in the proper diagnosis. Depending upon the condition treatment options for vascular anomalies include topical therapy, selective photothermolysis, sclerotherapy, embolization, surgical excision, and targeted systemic therapy.

Conclusion: Staged multimodal therapeutic regimens have proven to best control disease and allow for the preservation of function and aesthetics. The timing, sequence, and combination of therapies are best determined by a multidisciplinary vascular anomalies team. Patients and families need to be counseled on anticipated positive outcomes following a protracted course of treatment for the majority of vascular anomalies.

Keywords: arteriovenous malformatio; infantile hemangioma; lymphatic malformation; vascular anomaly; venous malformation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arteriovenous Malformations* / diagnosis
  • Arteriovenous Malformations* / surgery
  • Child
  • Esthetics, Dental
  • Head / blood supply
  • Head / diagnostic imaging
  • Head / pathology
  • Humans
  • Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Neck / pathology
  • Vascular Malformations* / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Malformations* / therapy