Capillary malformation

If your child has a birthmark anywhere on his body, you should have your pediatrician take a look at it. He or she can then refer you to a specialist, if appropriate.

The specialists at the Vascular Anomalies Center at Children’s Hospital Boston can easily identify a capillary malformation—and then discuss what that diagnosis means for you and your child.

How is a capillary malformation diagnosed?

When you make an appointment at Children’s, we’ll start with a complete medical history and a thorough physical exam. In many cases, that initial exam gives us enough information to diagnose a capillary malformation.

If your child’s doctor has any concerns that your child might have an underlying condition, she may recommend an imaging study such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is a high-resolution scan that allows the doctor to detect any related abnormality in your child’s muscles, nerves, bones and blood vessels.