What Are the Symptoms of Vascular Tumors

Vascular tumors are abnormal growths that originate from blood or lymphatic vessels. Their symptoms depend on location, size, growth speed, and whether they are benign or malignant. Common manifestations include:

  1. Visible skin changes
    Red-to-purple raised patches, nodules, or “strawberry” marks that may enlarge rapidly during infancy and then slowly regress .
  2. Localized swelling or lump
    A soft or firm mass under the skin or within muscles that can expand and distort nearby tissues .
  3. Pain or tenderness
    Intermittent aching or constant sharp pain if the tumor presses on nerves, ulcerates, or becomes thrombosed .
  4. Bleeding or ulceration
    Superficial lesions may crack and bleed with minor trauma; ulcerated areas can form crusts or scars .
  5. Skin discoloration and warmth
    A bluish hue, prominent veins, or increased local temperature suggest high blood flow within the lesion .
  6. Functional impairment
    Tumors near joints, eyes, airway, or digestive tract can limit movement, cause proptosis, produce wheezing, or lead to bleeding in the stool .
  7. Neurological signs
    When lesions involve the brain or spinal cord, patients may develop headaches, weakness, numbness, or vision problems .
  8. Systemic symptoms (malignant forms)
    Fatigue, weight loss, or night sweats may accompany aggressive tumors such as angiosarcoma or Kaposi sarcoma .

Any rapidly enlarging, painful, or ulcerated vascular lesion merits prompt imaging and specialist review to exclude malignancy and prevent complications.

SymptomTypical FeaturesWhen to Suspect Malignancy
Skin markRed-purple, raised, well-definedRapid growth after childhood
SwellingSoft/firm mass, may pulsate>5 cm, deep to fascia
PainIntermittent or constantNight pain, needs analgesia
BleedingMinor trauma → ulcerRecurrent, heavy, or unhealed
DiscolorationBlue, warm, dilated veinsSudden darkening or necrosis
FunctionLimited joint/eye/airway useProgressive loss
NeurologyHeadache, weakness, numbnessNew focal deficits
SystemicFatigue, fever, weight lossB-symptoms + large mass