Symptoms
Symptoms usually derive from malformation growth or progression. Once symptoms occur, they rarely abate without intervention.
Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Pain
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Swelling
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Bleeding
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Ulcerations
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Neuropathy
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Disfigurement
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Skin Discoloration
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Decreased Range of Motion
Treatment Course
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Evaluation and treatment of the capillary venous malformation every 4-6 weeks or sooner if indicated by Dr. Yakes.
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Patient may qualify for multiple procedures a week if requested by Dr. Yakes.
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MRI every 6-12 months based on the extent of the lymphatic malformation for evaluation and treatment progress.
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Referral to plastic/vascular surgeon following "cure" of malformation. An MRI 3-6 months post embolization will be needed for clearance by Dr. Yakes for debulking surgery.
How to Diagnose
Diagnosis is commonly made with a form of radiology imaging combined with a clinical assessment.
Radiology imaging can include:
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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This is the gold standard
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On initial treatment only:
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Venogram (Mapping of the Veins)
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Rules out venous involvement
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Arteriogram (Mapping of the Arteries)
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Rules out arterial involvement
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Possible Complications of Treatment
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Tissue Injury
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Blisters
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Open Wounds
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Infection
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Nerve Injury Due to Swelling
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99% improves when swelling resolves
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1% nerve damage will be permanent
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Blood Clot
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DVT
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Stroke
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Hemorrhage/Bleeding
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Very Rare
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Complications will be thoroughly discussed during formal consultation with medical staff as they may differ based on anatomical location.
How We Treat
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Ethanol Embolization
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Dr. Yakes will inject ethanol using direct puncture techniques into the lymphatic malformation.
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Ethanol is a powerful sclerosing agent that denatures blood proteins and destroys the endothelial cells in the vessel wall effectively destroying the abnormal vascular mass and preventing its ability to regenerate.
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Ethanol is the only curative method for treating lymphatic malformations
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All embolizations, venograms, and arteriograms are done under general anesthesia.
Before & After Gallery
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