Update on hemangiomas and vascular malformations.
OBJECTIVE
Our knowledge base in the area of vascular anomalies is growing rapidly. With greater understanding of classification and diagnosis, as well as with the numerous areas of research bringing further awareness on the complexity of these lesions, we are improving our ability to treat them. We will attempt in this article to summarize the developments in the field of vascular anomalies over the last year.


RESULTS
Emphasis on correct classification is still a high priority in the literature and yet there remains a great deal of misinformation. Many new developments in the basic science of these lesions are allowing better understanding of why these lesions occur while improving our management in these patients. Advances in laser surgery as well as sclerotherapy techniques have improved our ability to treat extensive lesions and also improve patients' quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Many new and exciting areas of discovery occur almost daily in the field of vascular anomalies. Due to the breadth of this topic, it is certain that not all articles can be reviewed however the author has tried to present the most recent and clinically relevant breakthroughs in the field.
Buckmiller
Lisa M
LM
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, USA. buckmillerlisam@uams.edu
D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D015911:Sclerotherapy
D005938:Glucocorticoids