Vascular Lesions of the Head and Neck

Vascular lesions are classified into vascular tumors or vascular malformations. Vascular tumors are true proliferative neoplasms, which may be benign, locally aggressive, or malignant. Vascular malformations are defects in morphogenesis and are physiologically classified as slow-flow, high-flow, or combined/mixed type. It is important to correctly diagnose and classify a vascular lesion according to the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies because it affects treatment. This chapter will discuss the more commonly encountered vascular lesions in the head and neck with presenting clinical signs and symptoms, as well as key imaging findings (illustrated through various cases) for correct diagnosis.