Hemangioma

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WHAT ARE INFANTILE HEMANGIOMAS?

Infantile hemangiomas are collections of extra blood vessels in the skin. They are benign (i.e., they are not cancerous) and most often appear during the first few weeks of life.Hemangiomas can look different depending on where they are in the skin.

Hemangiomas can look different depending on where they are in the skin.

“Superficial” hemangiomas are bright red and bumpy, often referred to as “strawberry marks” because of their resemblance to the surface of a strawberry. Superficial hemangiomas can begin as small white, pink, or red areas on the skin that quickly change into the more obvious bright red, raised lesions. “Deep” hemangiomas occur under the skin and have a smooth surface, often with a bluish coloration. Some hemangiomas are combinations of superficial and deep lesions. Hemangiomas that are truly present at birth are usually slightly different; these are called“congenital hemangiomas” and typically follow a different course than described below.

Typical Course

Infantile hemangiomas follow a fairly predictable course. There is a period of rapid growth/expansion in the first 2-3 months of life, which rarely goes beyond 6 months of age. Deep hemangiomas can sometimes grow longer. Between 6-18 months of age, most hemangiomas begin to slowly improve, a process called “involution.” The hemangioma will become less red, greyer, softer and flatter. Improvement in the hemangioma takes many years. About half of all hemangiomas will be considerably better by about 5 years of age. Some others will continue to improve with time.The vast majority of hemangiomas are significantly improved by 10 years of age.Though it is difficult to predict how any individual hemangioma will evolve, itis important to remember this natural course, as most hemangiomas do not require treatment and resolve on their own with time.

Rare Cases

Although most hemangiomas do not cause any problems, there can be rare complications such as bleeding or ulceration (breakdown in the skin of the hemangioma). While many parents worry about hemangiomas “bursting” and bleeding, they usually only bleed if ulcerated. The bleeding may be rapid, but usually only lasts a short time.Bleeding typically stops with gentle, continuous pressure for 15 minutes.Hemangiomas generally do not cause any pain unless they ulcerate.

A minority of hemangiomas can cause more serious concerns: cosmeticoutcomesDepending on the location and size of the hemangioma, some may interfere witheating, vision, hearing or breathing, or may be associated with other medical problems. There can also be significant concerns cosmetic outcomes, especially for hemangiomas on the face.

DOES MYCHILD’S HEMANGIOMA NEED TO BE TREATED?

The decision whether to treat the hemangioma is determined by the age of the patient, size and location of the hemangioma, how rapidly it is growing, and whether it is likely to cause any problems. There are 3 main indications for treatment:

  1. Amedical complication
  2. Ulceration
  3. Causing or threatening to cause disfigurement or scarring by distorting the normal shape and size of the affected area of skin
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