Vascular and Lymphatic Malformations

The body’s vascular and lymphatic system carry blood and lymph (fluid containing white blood cells) throughout the body. When abnormal clumps of lymph vessels or vascular malformations are present at birth, your child may experience discomfort or functional or cosmetic symptoms. At Weill Cornell Medicine, pediatric surgeons offer advanced treatment of vascular and lymphatic malformations.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine surgeons are specially trained to diagnose and treat vascular and lymphatic malformations. They care for your child as an individual, developing a personalized treatment plan that meets your child’s specific needs.

While working toward a positive outcome, our renowned surgeons cooperate with a comprehensive multidisciplinary team. Together, the members of your surgical team aim to give your child and family a positive experience from diagnosis to recovery.

Pediatric experts who may help diagnose or treat your child include:

• Dermatologists
• Hematologists
• Interventional radiologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Otolaryngologists

Conditions We Treat

The experts at Weill Cornell Medicine treat all blood vessel and lymphatic conditions. Common vascular and lymphatic malformations addressed by our team include:

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVM). These vascular anomalies occur when abnormal connections form between arteries and veins. Though most common in the brain and spinal cord, AVMs can form anywhere in the body.
• Hemangioma. This is a benign (noncancerous) tumor made of blood cells that can occur anywhere in the body. Infantile hemangioma is the most common form of hemangioma. When present, this type results in infants having a strawberry-like mark (port-wine stain) at the hemangioma site.
• Lymphatic malformations. A group of lymphatic vessels form a growing cluster of noncancerous cysts filled with fluid, causing lymphatic malformation. These can arise anywhere in the body. They’re most common, however, in the neck area. Newborns with lymphatic malformations may experience significant breathing problems. 

Treatment Options

Correcting vascular and lymphatic malformations helps children maintain or improve aesthetic appearance, minimize complications and maximize function. Surgical interventions for these conditions include:

• Embolization. A surgeon places tiny coils inside the center of an AVM. There, the coil blocks blood flow and reduces your child’s symptoms.
• Lesion or cyst removal. If a hemangioma lesion bleeds, forms ulcers or doesn’t shrink on its own, the surgeon removes the lesion. Also, a lymphatic malformation treatment plan may include surgical cyst removal.
• Sclerotherapy. The surgeon injects a substance into a lymphatic malformation or AVM. Over time, this substance works to destroy affected lymph or blood vessels.

In addition to these therapies, Weill Cornell Medicine participates in clinical trials, giving your child access to new treatment options not available at all pediatric hospitals.

What to Expect

By turning to Weill Cornell Medicine, you provide compassionate, expert care for your child. Here is what to expect during your child’s vascular or lymphatic malformation surgery.

• Before. The surgery team discusses your child’s procedure with you. You ask questions and learn what to expect during recovery. Immediately before surgery, your child receives anesthesia. General anesthesia keeps your child unconscious and comfortable throughout surgery.
• During. While the procedure takes place, you remain in a waiting area. Pediatric experts monitor your child throughout the surgery, ensuring your child’s comfort and safety. A team member updates you on the surgery’s progress as appropriate.
• After. Your child transfers to a recovery room, possibly an inpatient room and returns home. At discharge, your provider gives you instructions for home-based care and schedules follow-up appointments. You follow all instructions and attend all appointments to ensure your child’s full recovery.

Make an Appointment

Does your child have a vascular or lymphatic malformation? We’re here to help. To request an appointment with a pediatric surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, please fill out this form. A member of our team will then connect you with a surgeon to meet your child’s needs.

The team of pediatric experts at Weill Cornell Medicine is always ready to provide advanced, compassionate care for children with vascular lymphatic conditions.

Pediatric surgeons ready to serve your child’s needs include: