Sclerotherapy: A Minimally Invasive Treatment

First published September 2016
Updated October 2026

When a child develops a swelling or growth, families may naturally be concerned. Some of these conditions are caused by abnormal blood vessels or fluid-filled areas rather than cancer. Depending on the condition, sclerotherapy may be a treatment option.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain abnormal blood vessels, fluid-filled areas called cysts, and other selected conditions.

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses imaging, such as ultrasound or X-ray, to guide a small needle or tube through the skin and into the area being treated. A medication called a sclerosant is then injected. The medication causes the treated area to shrink or close, which can help reduce swelling, pain, or other symptoms.

Sclerotherapy has been used for many years and has applications throughout the body.

What conditions can be treated with sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy can be used to treat several different types of conditions. Whether it is appropriate depends on the type, size, location, and characteristics of the lesion or abnormality.

Vascular malformations

Sclerotherapy is commonly used to treat certain vascular malformations, which are areas of abnormal blood vessels that develop before birth.

These may include:

• Venous malformations (VM) – abnormal veins that can cause swelling, pain, or changes in appearance.
• Lymphatic malformations (LM) – abnormal lymphatic vessels that can form fluid-filled spaces and cause swelling.
• Mixed vascular malformations – malformations that contain more than one type of abnormal vessel.

Sclerotherapy can be particularly helpful when a vascular malformation is difficult to treat with surgery because of its size or location.

Cysts and fluid-filled lesions

Sclerotherapy can also be used to treat certain cysts, which are fluid-filled areas that can develop in different parts of the body.

Depending on the location and type of cyst, treatment may include:

• Dermoid cysts of the skin or skull
• Cysts of the neck, such as branchial cleft cysts or thyroglossal duct cysts
• Cysts of abdominal organs, including the liver, kidney, or spleen
• Seromas or lymphoceles, which are fluid collections that can develop after an injury, surgery, or other conditions

For some cysts, sclerotherapy may provide a less invasive treatment option than surgery.

Bone cysts

Sclerotherapy can be used to treat certain bone cysts, including:

• Aneurysmal bone cysts
• Unicameral bone cysts, also called simple bone cysts

In some cases, sclerotherapy may be used instead of or in combination with surgery. The treatment approach depends on the location and characteristics of the bone cyst.

Salivary gland conditions

Sclerotherapy can be used in selected cases to treat certain salivary gland conditions.

For children who have excessive drooling, sclerotherapy may be used to reduce saliva production from specific salivary glands.

Sclerotherapy can also be used to treat certain fluid-filled salivary gland lesions, such as ranulas.

Other conditions

In selected cases, sclerotherapy may be used to treat other benign conditions, including certain benign tumors.

For example, some neurofibromas may be treated with an injection to help reduce their size or symptoms. Treatment options depend on the individual condition and are determined by the child's care team.

Who performs sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is performed by interventional radiologists, doctors who specialize in minimally invasive procedures using imaging to guide treatment.

Interventional radiologists work closely with other specialists to determine whether sclerotherapy is appropriate and to develop an individualized treatment plan for each child.

How do I find out if sclerotherapy could help my child?

Not every condition can be treated with sclerotherapy. Your child's care team will consider the type and location of the lesion, your child's symptoms, and other factors when determining whether this treatment is appropriate.

For more information about Nationwide Children's Radiology Services, visit the Radiology Services page or call our Interventional Radiology Coordinators at 614-722-2375.