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Objective: To present current information on the diagnosis, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of vascular malformations., Method: Literature review., Results: Vascular malformations are a heterogeneous group of congenital lesions resulting from aberrations of vascular embryogenesis. They are distinct from the vascular tumors with which they are commonly confused in presentation, natural history, and management., Conclusions: Multimodality intervention involving medical therapy, laser photocoagulation, and surgery is available for the various types of vascular malformations. Multidisciplinary care is crucial for the evaluation and management of these complicated lesions. Clarification of underlying pathogenesis and molecular biologic mechanisms will provide opportunities for expansion of available treatments.

Objective: To present current information on the diagnosis, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of infantile hemangiomas., Methods: Literature review., Results: Infantile hemangiomas are the most common vascular tumors of childhood. They are thought to be derived from embolized placental progenitor cells that lodge in privileged sites of the developing embryo. They exhibit a characteristic postnatal course with defined periods of growth and regression., Conclusions: Multimodality intervention involving observation, medical therapy, laser photocoagulation, and surgery is the accepted modern approach. Timing of the intervention to obtain the best possible results in concert with developmental milestones is the goal. "Leave it alone-it will go away" is no longer universally acceptable advice for infantile hemangiomas.