Early human development: Neonatal tumours: Vascular tumours

Vascular tumours (haemangiomas and malformations) are common tumours of infancy and childhood. They represent a group of mostly benign conditions, which present early, can grow rapidly and be symptomatic or disfiguring. There are various management options, with different cosmetic and functional outcomes. Haemangiomas and vascular malformations have different clinical courses which dictate respective management; differentiating them is key.Haemangiomas are generally self-limiting after initial proliferation; generally management is conservative. Symptoms can call for treatment. Options include laser, steroids, chemotherapy and surgery. Propanolol, the newest modality of treatment, may have a dramatic effect in problematic lesions.Vascular malformations are a less common group of heterogenous lesions, with some overlap between entities. They do not involute. Treatment options include laser therapy, sclerotherapy, embolisation, and surgery. Emerging therapies include photodynamic therapy and angiogenesis inhibitors.This review will outline the evidence for the various modalities in managing these conditions.