Why might my child need a vascular malformation ultrasound?
For a strawberry mark or birthmark that is growing, a blue or purple swelling under the skin, a lump that changes size with crying or position, or a known lesion that needs measuring. Ultrasound with Colour Doppler shows the type of lesion and its depth.
What is the difference between a haemangioma and a vascular malformation?
A haemangioma (strawberry mark) usually appears in the first weeks of life, grows quickly for a few months and then slowly shrinks over years. A vascular malformation is present at birth, grows in proportion with the child and does not go away on its own. They are treated differently, so telling them apart matters.
Should we be worried about our child’s birthmark?
Most birthmarks are harmless. See a doctor promptly if a haemangioma is near the eye, nose, lips, ears or nappy area, is large or growing very fast, has broken down into a sore, or if there are several of them. These can need early treatment, ideally in the first weeks of life.
When should a strawberry mark be seen by a specialist?
Early. Infantile haemangiomas grow fastest in the first three months, so a mark in a sensitive area, a large mark or one that ulcerates should be referred to a specialist as early as possible, ideally within the first month or two, because treatment works best before most of the growth has happened.
Are strawberry birthmarks dangerous or cancerous?
No: infantile haemangiomas are benign and do not turn into cancer. Most cause no problems and fade over time. The concern is their position: near the eye they can affect vision, near the lips or nose they can affect feeding or breathing, and in the nappy area they can ulcerate, which is why those need early specialist review.
Do haemangiomas go away?
Most do. A typical infantile haemangioma stops growing by around six to twelve months, then slowly fades and flattens over several years. Some leave a little extra skin or a pale mark. Treatment with a medicine called propranolol can speed this up when needed.
What does the scan show?
A child vascular malformation ultrasound shows:
- Whether the lesion is a haemangioma or a vascular malformation
- The type of malformation: venous, lymphatic or with fast-flowing vessels
- Its size and how deep it extends
- Blood flow, using Colour Doppler
How are these lesions monitored or treated?
Many haemangiomas are simply watched as they fade, and some are treated with propranolol. Vascular malformations may be monitored, or treated by a specialist vascular anomalies team with injections, laser or surgery. Ultrasound measurements give a baseline to track change.
Can a vascular malformation get bigger?
Vascular malformations grow in proportion as your child grows, and some can swell during infections, after injury or during puberty. They do not shrink away like haemangiomas, which is why they are usually followed by a specialist team.
Is a child vascular malformation ultrasound safe for my child?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and needs no needles or sedation. It is the recommended first test for many childhood lumps and joint problems precisely because it is so gentle, and it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed.
How long does a child vascular malformation ultrasound take?
The scan itself usually takes ten to twenty minutes. Allow around half an hour for the appointment, so there is time to settle your child and talk through the results.
How should I prepare my child for the scan?
No special preparation is needed: your child can eat and drink as normal. Explain simply that the scan uses a little cold jelly and a camera that does not hurt, dress them in clothes that are easy to lift or roll up, and bring a favourite toy or tablet if it helps.
When will we get the results?
You will know the findings before you leave, because the specialist explains them during the appointment. The written report is usually on your secure patient portal the same day, ready to share with your GP or paediatrician.
How much does a private child vascular malformation ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child vascular malformation ultrasound costs £350, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time and your written report. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available, with the results explained before you leave.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a child vascular malformation ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a child vascular malformation ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private child vascular malformation ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £350, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street child vascular malformation ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare. Your child can feed, eat, play and go back to nursery or school straight away. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, so it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed. If the results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it to you before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
