eRadiograph Volume 7: Imaging of Oral Cavity | Page 199

The port wine stain of capillary malformation may become more prominent with age
requiring treatment from a cosmetic point of view by lasers. If they become
hypertrophic or nodular they may require surgery.
Venous Malformation
These are the most common low flow vascular malformations. These appear as bluish
masses that increase in size with valsalva maneuver or due to compression of the
ipsilateral jugular vein or in the dependent position. 50% are visible at birth. These may
present with facial deformity or pain due to local inflammatory changes or local
compressive effects. They grow proportional to body size and respond to hormonal
changes. On imaging they appear as well defined soft tissue lesions, nearly half will
demonstrate phlebolith- which is pathognomic of venous malformtions. There may be
bony changes in the form of osteolysis, demineralization, hypoplasia or cortical
thickening. They have a predilection for the master and buccinator muscles, infiltratin p