Classification, Diagnosis and Principles of Treatment of Vascular Anomalies

Vascular anomalies are more than a collection of rare lesions—and getting the diagnosis right is often the first and most important therapeutic step. The lecture moves from modern classification of vascular tumors and malformations to the clinical distinctions that change management, with particular attention to lesions of the head and neck.

Through clinical examples, the lecture highlights common diagnostic traps: confusing hemangiomas with malformations, overusing imaging, overlooking syndromic disease, and choosing a familiar procedure simply because it is available. It also touches on beta-blocker therapy, sclerotherapy, endovascular treatment, genetic testing, coagulation risks, and the role of multidisciplinary teams. Several cases illustrate how an initially simple-looking lesion can conceal a much more complex vascular anomaly.