November 10, 2006

A weekend of hope for patients with vascular malformations

It's not known why approximately one in 100 children each year in the United
States is born with a vascular birthmark. Often these types of birthmarks, also known as hemangiomas, are not associated with complications and may disappear on their own with time. But, for some these benign tumors can be problematic and cause emotional suffering for those with conspicuous lesions.

Hemangiomas often appear within the first few weeks of life and are more likely to occur in females and individuals with lighter skin. Martin C. Mihm, Jr., MD, FACP, senior dermatopathologist and director of the Vascular Malformation Clinic, and researchers at the MGH Vascular Malformation Clinic, are adding to the understanding of the malformations.

During the weekend of Oct. 28, Mihm and colleagues from MGH Dermatology, Pathology, Pediatric Surgery and Radiology, hosted the tenth annual Weekend of Hope for individuals with hemangiomas or vascular malformations. The event took place at the MGH Dermatology Clinic and the Hilton Hotel at Logan Airport. During the weekend, patients with problem lesions were provided an opportunity to attend several educational presentations and receive informal consultations with attending physicians. Predominantly children, but also adults, were examined by the team of experts who gave advice regarding therapy that uses the latest techniques of medicine, plastic and laser surgery and interventional radiology. Twenty-six doctors from six countries attended the event to confer with one another and volunteer their time and expertise. Sixty-eight individuals attended with their families from as far away as Europe and Australia.



MGH and visiting physicians gather for the Weekend of Hope.

"One parent from Australia said that she learned more about her son's condition in a half hour with our team than she had over the 15 years of her child's life spent looking for treatment suggestions," says Mihm. "This weekend-long event, as well as the work being done at the MGH Vascular Malformation Clinic, fits perfectly into the MGH mission to offer hope and healing to patients from all over the world. We are especially grateful to all of the physicians from the MGH, across the United States, Europe and Brazil who volunteered their time to join us for this meaningful weekend."

Mihm, an international consultant for pigmented lesions, lymphoma and cutaneous inflammatory diseases, also serves as the co-chairman of the Melanoma Pathology Program of the World Health Organization (WHO). He was the co-founder of the Rare Tumor Institute sponsored by the WHO. Mihm is the co-founder of the original Pigmented Lesion Clinic and is now founder and director of the MGH Vascular Malformation Clinic. For more information, contact Mihm at (617) 724-1350.