Abstract
Vascular anomalies in the head and neck area are usually rare diseases and pose a
particular diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. They are divided into vascular
tumours and vascular malformations. A distinction is made between benign
tumours, such as infantile haemangioma, and rare malignant tumours, such as
angiosarcoma. Vascular malformations are categorised as simple malformations,
mixed malformations, large vessel anomalies and those associated with other
anomalies. Treatment is interdisciplinary and various modalities are available.
These include clinical observation, sclerotherapy, embolisation, ablative and
coagulating procedures, surgical resection and systemic drug therapy. Treatment
is challenging, as vascular anomalies in the head and neck region practically
always affect function and aesthetics. A better understanding of the genetic and
molecular biological basis of vascular anomalies has recently led to clinical
research into targeted drug therapies. This article provides an up-to-date
overview of the diagnosis, clinic and treatment of vascular anomalies in the
head and neck region.
Keywords
Lymphatic malformations - venous malformations - arterio-venous malformations - hemangioma - vascular anomalies
