Management of head and neck hemangiomas and venous malformations by bleomycin sclerotherapy

Abstract

Hemangiomas and venous malformations are frequently encountered in the head and neck region, particularly in children. The management of such lesions is especially difficult, considering the characteristics of the age group and the possible complications and sequelae regarding appearance and function. The high esthetic demands of the region, the presence of significant anatomical structures, as well as the concerns for airway maintenance make the choice of treatment extremely challenging. The local injection of a sclerosing agent represents a minimally invasive method that is often used as a first-line treatment of such lesions. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the indications, outcomes and complications of bleomycin sclerotherapy in the treatment of vascular anomalies in the maxillofacial territory

Keywords

• hemangioma
• vascular anomalies
• low-flow malformation
• bleomycin
• sclerotherapy
• head and neck