Vascular anomalies - an overview

The classification of vascular anomalies has historically been complex. Further, some of the terminologies such as angioma and haemangioma are sometimes used interchangeably. This chapter sets out the overarching classification as defined by ISSVA (the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies), and signposts to some of the common and/or important vascular anomalies listed on this website. 

The ISSVA classification is broadly divided as follows:

Vascular tumours

• Benign - including infantile haemangiomas, cherry angiomas (Campbell de Morgan Spot), and pyogenic granulomas
• Locally aggressive / borderline - including Kaposi's sarcoma 
• Malignant - including angiosarcomas

Vascular malformations

• Capillary malformations - including salmon patches (also known as naevus simplex), Port wine stains (also known as cutaneous capillary malformations), and telangiectases (various)
• Lymphatic malformations - including common cystic lesions (sometimes referred to as lymphangioma circumscriptum), and primary lymphoedema 
• Venous malformations - including congenital venous malformations, and venous lakes (acquired) 
• Arteriovenous malformations / fistulas - including sporadic lesions, and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia 

The following link provides the complete 2018 classification.

In terms of congenital lesions, further information can also be found in the chapter Birthmarks - an overview.