Providing relief to a child with rare blood vessel growth
A dermatologist helps a young boy get relief from a painful blood vessel condition.
Jenna Buswell's story
Casen Buswell, patient
My son Casen was born with purple spots on most of his body that left doctors stumped. My husband and I were terrified as he was whisked away from us immediately after birth. Eventually, a blood test revealed Casen was missing the gene that regulates abnormal blood vessel growth and he was diagnosed with Plaque-Type Glomuvenous Malformations (GVM), a rare condition that causes painful skin tumors across his body.
I connected with the family of another GVM patient on social media who recommended board-certified dermatologist Dr. John Browning, a vascular malformation specialist. Desperate to get relief for Casen’s growing and painful dilated vessels, we made the trip from Washington to Texas for treatment.
Casen has received dozens of laser treatments with Dr. Browning over the past seven years, which have thankfully been very effective. Dr. Browning collaborated with a urology team and other clinicians to address vessel dilations that were untreatable by laser. We now only need to see him twice each year.
We have formed such a close relationship with Dr. Browning that Casen refers to him as his primary doctor. Casen has newfound confidence and we’re thrilled he can be a little boy again, participating in activities like basketball. We’re very grateful for the dermatologic care he receives from Dr. Browning.
A dermatologist's perspective
“Casen’s condition is very rare and requires a specific skillset to treat effectively. Collaboration with other specialists, like his urology team, has allowed for full treatment of Casen’s dilated vessels. His family’s commitment to his treatment has allowed for significant improvements in his pain and quality of life. Seeing Casen’s progress and watching him grow up able to participate in typical childhood activities is very gratifying.”
─ John Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP, Texas Dermatology and Laser Specialists
Patient & physician stories
Learn how board-certified dermatologists have helped patients with serious skin disease and collaborated with other doctors to enhance patient care.
