Vascular Anomalies | KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Vascular anomalies refer to a group of conditions that involve abnormal growth or arrangement of various forms of blood or lymphatic vessels in various parts of the body. Vascular anomalies are classified into two broad groups – tumours and malformations. These disorders vary in presentation, ranging from simple birthmarks to deeper tissue or multi-system involvement that can potentially affect limb function, or become potentially life-threatening.

Vascular tumours range from common tumours (e.g. infantile haemangiomas), to rare but more serious conditions (e.g. kaposiform haemangioendothelioma). Vascular malformations are less common and can range from simple lesions (e.g. venous malformations) to more complex conditions that involve not only blood vessels but other abnormalities (e.g. Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome).

Vascular lesions can grow and increase in size throughout childhood and adolescence, and can cause problems like pain, bleeding, difficulty walking or cosmetic concerns.

Comprehensive evaluation is required and our team, comprising experts from various specialties such as Dermatology, Haematology, Interventional Radiology, Orthopaedics, Paediatric Surgery and Plastic Surgery, and other supporting specialties, work together to ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment planning and long-term monitoring of these conditions.

Range of Services

Our Vascular Anomalies Service is an integrated, one-stop, multidisciplinary team of experts that provides inpatient and outpatient care for patients with vascular tumours and malformations.

Management strategies for vascular anomalies are varied and include observation, medication, interventional procedures such as embolisation and sclerotherapy, laser treatment and/or surgery. More than one treatment modality may be required. The multidisciplinary team care helps facilitate better treatment planning with the aims of optimising symptom-control, reducing disease burden and improving functional outcomes while minimising procedure risks.

Adults with vascular anomalies are cared for at Singapore General Hospital.

Tags: Vascular Surgery