---
title: Everything You Need to Know About Vascular Malformations
description: Vascular malformations are a type of birthmark or congenital growth that consists of blood vessels that have not developed correctly.
image: https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/Vascular-Malformations_iStock-1422824486.jpg
---
The Vein Institute of New Jersey is considered one of the top vein centers in the world. [Visit The Vein Institute](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/)
[Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101) [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter)
[](http://tcvcg.com/)
[973-759-9000](tel:9737599000) [Schedule Appointment](http://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/)
- [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/)
- [Locations](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/locations/)
- [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration)
- [Scheduling Appointments](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/)
- [Hospital Consults](https://tcvcg.com/consult/)
- [Our Practice](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/)
- - [Our Providers](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/our-providers/)
- [Leadership & Integrity](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/)
- [Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/)
- [Vein Treatment Center](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vein-treatment-center/)
- [Hospital Affiliations](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/hospital-affiliations/)
- - [Patient Testimonials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/patient-testimonials/)
- [Awards & Media](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/awards-media/)
- [Vascular Clinical Trials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vascular-clinical-trials/)
- [History](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/history/)
- [Vascular Conditions](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/)
- - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/)
- [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/carotid-artery-disease/)
- [Aortic Aneurysms](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/aortic-aneurysms/)
- - [Hemodialysis Access](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/hemodialysis-access/)
- [Vein Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/vein-disease/)
- [TCVCG Vascular Screening](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/tcvcg-vascular-screening-program/)
- [Treatments](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/)
- - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/)
- [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/causes-and-care-for-carotid-artery-disease/)
- [Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/)
- - [Dialysis Access Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/dialysis-access-care/)
- [Procedure Suite](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/procedure-suite/)
- [Vein Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/vein-care/)
- [Patient Info](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/)
- - [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/)
- [e-Book Library](https://tcvcg.com/e-book-library/)
- [Falls Prevention](https://tcvcg.com/tcvcg-falls-prevention-guide/)
- [Healthy Recipes](https://tcvcg.com/healthy-recipes/)
- [Insurance & Billing](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/insurance-billing/)
- [Know Your Vascular Health](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/know-your-vascular-health/)
- - [Leg Swelling Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/leg-swelling-assessment/)
- [Medical Record Request](https://tcvcg.com/medical-record-request/)
- [PAD Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/pad-assessment/)
- [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration)
- [Second Opinions](https://tcvcg.com/what-you-should-know-about-second-opinions/)
- [Videos](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/videos/)
- [Blog](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/)
- [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/)
- [Locations](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/locations/)
- [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration)
- [Scheduling Appointments](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/)
- [Hospital Consults](https://tcvcg.com/consult/)
- [Our Practice](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/)
- - [Our Providers](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/our-providers/)
- [Leadership & Integrity](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/)
- [Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/)
- [Vein Treatment Center](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vein-treatment-center/)
- [Hospital Affiliations](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/hospital-affiliations/)
- - [Patient Testimonials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/patient-testimonials/)
- [Awards & Media](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/awards-media/)
- [Vascular Clinical Trials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vascular-clinical-trials/)
- [History](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/history/)
- [Vascular Conditions](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/)
- - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/)
- [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/carotid-artery-disease/)
- [Aortic Aneurysms](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/aortic-aneurysms/)
- - [Hemodialysis Access](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/hemodialysis-access/)
- [Vein Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/vein-disease/)
- [TCVCG Vascular Screening](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/tcvcg-vascular-screening-program/)
- [Treatments](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/)
- - [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/)
- [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/causes-and-care-for-carotid-artery-disease/)
- [Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/)
- - [Dialysis Access Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/dialysis-access-care/)
- [Procedure Suite](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/procedure-suite/)
- [Vein Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/vein-care/)
- [Patient Info](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/)
- - [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/)
- [e-Book Library](https://tcvcg.com/e-book-library/)
- [Falls Prevention](https://tcvcg.com/tcvcg-falls-prevention-guide/)
- [Healthy Recipes](https://tcvcg.com/healthy-recipes/)
- [Insurance & Billing](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/insurance-billing/)
- [Know Your Vascular Health](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/know-your-vascular-health/)
- - [Leg Swelling Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/leg-swelling-assessment/)
- [Medical Record Request](https://tcvcg.com/medical-record-request/)
- [PAD Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/pad-assessment/)
- [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration)
- [Second Opinions](https://tcvcg.com/what-you-should-know-about-second-opinions/)
- [Videos](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/videos/)
- [Blog](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/)
Menu
The Vein Institute of New Jersey is considered one of the top vein centers in the world. [Visit The Vein Institute](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/)
[Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101) [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter)
[](http://tcvcg.com/)
[973-759-9000](tel:9737599000) [Schedule Appointment](http://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/)
- [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/)
- [Locations](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/locations/)
- [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration)
- [Scheduling Appointments](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/)
- [Hospital Consults](https://tcvcg.com/consult/)
- [Our Practice](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/)
- [Our Providers](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/our-providers/)
- [Leadership & Integrity](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/)
- [Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/)
- [Vein Treatment Center](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vein-treatment-center/)
- [Hospital Affiliations](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/hospital-affiliations/)
- [Patient Testimonials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/patient-testimonials/)
- [Awards & Media](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/awards-media/)
- [Vascular Clinical Trials](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/vascular-clinical-trials/)
- [History](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/history/)
- [Vascular Conditions](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/)
- [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/)
- [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/carotid-artery-disease/)
- [Aortic Aneurysms](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/aortic-aneurysms/)
- [Hemodialysis Access](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/hemodialysis-access/)
- [Vein Disease](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/vein-disease/)
- [Free Vascular Screening](https://tcvcg.com/vascular-conditions/free-vascular-screening-program/)
- [Treatments](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/)
- [Peripheral Artery Disease (“PAD”)](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/peripheral-artery-disease-pad/)
- [Carotid Artery Disease](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/causes-and-care-for-carotid-artery-disease/)
- [Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/)
- [Dialysis Access Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/dialysis-access-care/)
- [Procedure Suite](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/procedure-suite/)
- [Vein Care](https://tcvcg.com/treatments/vein-care/)
- [Patient Info](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/)
- [Contact Us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/)
- [e-Book Library](https://tcvcg.com/e-book-library/)
- [Falls Preventioin](https://tcvcg.com/tcvcg-falls-prevention-guide/)
- [Healthy Recipies](https://tcvcg.com/healthy-recipes/)
- [Insurance & Billing](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/insurance-billing/)
- [Know Your Vascular Health](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/know-your-vascular-health/)
- [Leg Swelling Score](https://tcvcg.com/leg-swelling-assessment/)
- [Medical Record Request](https://tcvcg.com/medical-record-request/)
- [PAD Assessment](https://tcvcg.com/pad-assessment/)
- [Patient Forms](https://tcvcg.com/registration)
- [Second Opinions](https://tcvcg.com/what-you-should-know-about-second-opinions/)
- [Videos](https://tcvcg.com/patient-info/videos/)
- [Blog](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/)
- [Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101)
- [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter)
-
-
## Everything You Need to Know About Vascular Malformations
-
- [The Cardiovascular Care Group Blog](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog)
- Everything You Need to Know About Vascular Malformations
Dec 20, 2022 10:26:33 AM Dr. Scott Sundick, MD, FACS
Vascular malformations occur in about [one percent of all births](https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/congenital-vascular-malformations.html#:~:text=Congenital%20vascular%20malformations%20(CVM)%20occur,or%20a%20combination%20of%20these.). Although the disorder is rare and sometimes harmless, it can lead to serious or even life-threatening complications. If left untreated, these malformations can grow larger over time and might cause cosmetic deformities and functional problems. This is why it is important to seek timely and effective treatment.
However, in order to do this, you need to learn a few things about vascular malformations. That way, you will not only understand the condition but also be in a better position to recognize the associated symptoms.
Here's what to know.
## WHAT ARE VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS?
[Vascular malformations](https://www.med.unc.edu/vascularanomaliesclinic/patient-and-family-resources-1/what-we-treat-1/vascular-malformations/) are abnormalities of blood vessels and lymph vessels. The malformations are a type of birthmark or congenital growth that consists of blood vessels that have not developed correctly. As such, the affected vessels do not have normal organization and do not work properly.
Since these malformations form during pregnancy, the benign lesions are typically present at birth, and tend to grow as the individual grows. However, the blood vessel disorder may also develop during one's lifetime.
Vascular malformations are divided into two broad categories: high flow and low flow. The anomalies can occur in any part of the body. Similarly, there are many types of vascular malformations, depending on the type of blood vessel involved. They include:
- Venous malformations (most common)
- Capillary malformations, also called port-wine stains
- Lymphatic malformations
- Arteriovenous malformations
- Combined vascular malformations
## CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS
The exact cause of vascular malformations is unknown. Generally, vascular malformations occur by chance. However, since the irregularities in blood vessels are usually present at birth, [the disorder is mainly inherited](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.318145).
Oftentimes, the different types of vascular malformation will not cause symptoms until they are triggered. The blood vessel changes can be worsened by events such as a major trauma, injury or surgery as well as hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy. The most common symptoms are:
- Pain in the affected area
- Swelling
- Body aches
- Skin discoloration in the malformation area
- Bleeding or lymph fluid leaking
- Venous malformations can cause problems with blood clotting and organ damage
## DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS
Vascular malformations do not go away on their own. In order to plan appropriate treatment, accurate diagnosis is required. To determine whether the abnormality is a vascular malformation and establish the exact type of malformation, your doctor will look at your medical history and conduct a thorough physical exam. The doctor may also order specialized imaging tests to help with the diagnosis.
In addition to being rare, many vascular anomalies are complex. As such, treating the disorder requires precision. The [treatment options](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/interventional-radiology/conditions/malformations/) your doctor may recommend include:
**Embolization:** This minimally invasive procedure is used to close off the abnormal blood vessel from the inside.
**Laser treatment:** Laser therapy can be used to reduce discoloration when it comes to dermal vascular malformations.
**Sclerotherapy:** A chemical is injected into the malformation through the skin. The substance causes the vessel to close, effectively stopping the flow of blood in the area. This helps to destroy the malformation.
**Surgery:** Surgery can be used either alone or in conjunction with other treatments. It is usually an appropriate treatment option when the condition is extensive.
Even after successful treatment, a vascular malformation can recur. Scheduling regular follow-up visits will help to detect a recurrent malformation, minimize recurrent symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
## WHAT TO LOOK FOR
To effectively care for vascular malformations, you need to know what to look out for. Here are a few guidelines:
- Know the location of the vascular malformation. That way, you will know the symptoms to watch out for.
- Seek immediate medical attention if the lesion grows unexpectedly, hurts, or the skin overlying the area becomes swollen.
- See a doctor if you develop shortness of breath or have difficulty breathing.
Proper treatment can help to decrease the size of vascular malformations and manage symptoms. At **The Cardiovascular Care Group**, we are a top vascular center that has been treating patients with vascular diseases since 1963. Our team of experienced and board-certified vascular surgeons will help treat your vascular conditions so you can look and feel your best.
[Contact us](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/) today to schedule an appointment.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6302898/6f573a69-415d-4436-b5b0-366ef20aa221)
## Featured posts
### Categories
- [Aortic Aneurysms (11)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/aortic-aneurysms)
- [Carotid Artery Disease (18)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/carotid-artery-disease)
- [Health/Exercise (22)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/health-exercise)
- [Hemodialysis (7)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/hemodialysis)
- [Peripheral Artery Disease (23)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/peripheral-artery-disease)
- [Travel (4)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/travel)
- [Vascular Doctors/Staff (17)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vascular-doctors-staff)
- [Vascular Treatments (27)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vascular-treatments)
- [Vein Conditions (61)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vein-conditions)
- [Vein Treatments (47)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vein-treatments)
### Subscribe to TCVCG Health News
## Contact Us
#### To contact us or schedule an appointment call (973) 759-9000 or fill out the form below
The Cardiovascular Care Group has six (6) convenient office locations throughout New Jersey. If you should have any questions regarding our practice specialties, hospital affiliations, insurance & billing or you just have a general question about the practice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
[View Locations](https://tcvcg.com/contact-us/locations/)
 [Visit the Vein Institute of New Jersey](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/)
[](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/) [](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/noninvasive-vascular-laboratory/) [](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity//) [](https://tcvcg.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/)
[_2.jpg)](https://castleconnolly.com/)
### Testimonials
I cannot say enough good things – and I’ve been to a lot of doctors. The staff is so friendly an...
- D., Neptune
I have been coming to The Cardiovascular Care Group for nearly two decades! Initially with my Dad wh...
- A., Clark
[Read More](http://tcvcg.com/our-practice/patient-testimonials/)
©2021-2024, The Cardiovascular Care Group. All rights reserved. [Terms and Conditions](http://tcvcg.com/terms-and-conditions/) [Privacy Policy](http://tcvcg.com/privacy-policy-2/) [Non-Discrimination](https://www.tcvcg.com/non-discrimination-notice) [HIPAA Notice](https://tcvcg.com/hipaa-omnibus-notice-of-privacy-practices/)
All information on this site is of a general nature and is furnished for your knowledge and understanding only.
This information is not to be taken as medical or other health advice pertaining to your specific health and medical condition.