Fibro Adipose Vascular Anomaly

Also known as: FAVA.

What is a fibro adipose vascular anomaly?

FAVA is a rare but painful lump or mass that develops in a muscle, usually involving a limb, where the muscle tissue is replaced by tough, fibrous scar-like tissue, fatty tissue and abnormal blood vessels. Diagnosis is often delayed till late childhood or adolescence.

What causes fibro adipose vascular anomaly?

FAVA is not an inherited disorder; however in some children a spontaneous genetic mutation appears to be the cause, while in others no cause may be found.

What are the symptoms of fibro adipose vascular anomaly?

Common symptoms include pain, often severe, in the affected limb, difficulty or loss of movement and some enlargement of an affected limb, with visible veins on the skin over the mass.

What are fibro adipose vascular anomaly care options?

There are a number of treatments available, depending on position, size and symptoms. Common ones include pain management, physical therapy, surgery to remove the tissue, or cryotherapy, embolization, and immunosuppressant medication.


Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: October 29, 2021 12:25 PM

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