ABSTRACT
This chapter includes recommendations and classifications from the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies and the International Union of Angiology. In general, vascular tumours are endothelial neoplasms characterized by cellular proliferation and growth that are usually 'self-limited' and develop after birth, whereas vascular malformations are 'self-perpetuating' embryonic tissue remnants that are always present at birth. Infantile haemangiomas are the most common vascular tumours, affecting 4%–10% of all infants and children. Tufted angiomas are rare benign vascular tumours of young children that only rarely involute. Vascular malformations may be associated with anomalies of soft tissue, bone or viscera. Combined vascular malformations associate any two or three vascular malformations in one lesion. Most haemangiomas resolve without serious long-term complications and require only expectant management, but about 20% become clinically significant, depending on their nature and site so as to require treatment.
