A hemangioma is a type of noncancerous tumor made up of blood vessels. It typically appears as a birthmark or red mark on the skin and can grow rapidly in the first few weeks after birth. Hemangiomas are very common, affecting around 1 out of 10 babies. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, scalp, chest, back, or neck. The majority of hemangiomas will go away without treatment over time. However, some cases may require medical care to reduce their size and prevent any possible complications.
Here, we’ll discuss what causes hemangiomas and the different treatments available for them. We’ll also explore how parents can support their children if they have hemangioma.
History and Definition
A hemangioma is a type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of blood vessels. They are the most common type of vascular birthmark and are typically found in infants, appearing as a red, raised area on the skin. Hemangiomas can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, scalp, chest, and back. They grow rapidly during the first few months of life and then slow down, eventually shrinking and disappearing on their own over time.
Hemangiomas were first classified as a distinct entity by Mulliken and Glowacki in 1982, who proposed a biologic classification of vascular birthmarks into “hemangiomas” and “vascular malformations.” This classification helped to differentiate hemangiomas from other types of vascular birthmarks, particularly venous malformations, which they were often mistaken for.
Treatment for hemangiomas may not be necessary if they are small or not causing any symptoms. However, in some cases, treatment may be recommended if the hemangioma is affecting the function of an organ or causing cosmetic concerns. Treatment options include medications, laser therapy, and surgery.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hemangiomas depend on their location and size. Common symptoms include:
- A red raised bump on the skin
- A bluish-purple lesion on the skin
- A soft, spongy texture
- Rapid growth during the first few months of life
- A gradual shrinkage and disappearance over time
In some cases, hemangiomas can also cause functional problems if they occur in or near important organs, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. These functional problems may include vision or breathing difficulties, among others. If a hemangioma is causing functional problems or significant cosmetic concerns, treatment may be recommended.
Causes
The exact cause of hemangiomas is not well understood, but they are thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some possible causes of hemangiomas include:
- Abnormal blood vessel formation: Hemangiomas occur when blood vessels in the skin form abnormally, causing a buildup of blood in the area.
- Genetic factors: Certain genetic mutations or inherited genetic predispositions may increase the likelihood of developing hemangiomas.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, such as increased levels of estrogen, may play a role in the development of hemangiomas.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as radiation, drugs, or certain infections, may increase the risk of developing hemangiomas.
Overall, the exact cause of hemangiomas is not well understood, and further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a hemangioma typically involves a physical examination and review of the patient’s medical history. The following diagnostic tools may also be used to confirm the diagnosis:
- Visual inspection: A visual examination of the affected area is often the first step in diagnosing a hemangioma.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound can produce images of the blood vessels in the skin, allowing the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of a hemangioma.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI can produce detailed images of the blood vessels and surrounding tissues, providing more information about the size, shape, and location of the hemangioma.
- Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. This can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes.
If a hemangioma is suspected, the doctor may refer the patient to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, pediatrician, or a specialist in vascular anomalies. The doctor will determine the most appropriate diagnostic tests based on the patient’s circumstances.
Treatment
Treatment of hemangiomas depends on the size, location, and symptoms of the lesion. In many cases, hemangiomas do not require treatment, as they will shrink and disappear on their own over time.
Treatment options for hemangiomas include:
Non Surgical
- Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or propranolol, may be used to reduce the size of the hemangioma.
- Laser therapy: A laser may be used to shrink the blood vessels in the hemangioma, reducing its size and appearance.
Surgical
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the hemangioma if it is causing functional problems or significant cosmetic concerns.
The specific details of the treatment will depend on the type of treatment selected. In general, the goal of treatment is to reduce the size and appearance of the hemangioma and to prevent functional problems. Treatment may take several weeks or months, and follow-up appointments with the doctor will be necessary to monitor progress.
After treatment, the affected area may be red, swollen, or sore, but this should improve over time. The doctor will provide specific instructions on how to care for the treated area and will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
It is important to remember that hemangiomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors, and the prognosis is generally very good, especially if treatment is not necessary. In most cases, hemangiomas will shrink and disappear on their own over time, leaving no visible scarring or other long-term effects.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing a hemangioma, including:
- Age: Hemangiomas are most common in infants, and the risk of developing a hemangioma is highest in the first few weeks of life.
- Gender: Hemangiomas are more common in female infants than in male infants.
- Family history: There may be a genetic predisposition to developing hemangiomas, and there may be a family history of the condition.
- Premature birth: Infants born prematurely are at an increased risk of developing hemangiomas.
- Multiple births: Infants who are part of multiple births, such as twins or triplets, are at an increased risk of developing hemangiomas.
- Ethnicity: Hemangiomas are more common in infants of certain ethnicities, including Caucasian and Asian infants.
It is important to note that the presence of one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that an infant will develop a hemangioma. The actual risk of developing a hemangioma will depend on a combination of factors, including the individual circumstances of the infant and the presence of any other underlying medical conditions.
Complications
Hemangiomas are typically benign (non-cancerous) tumors that do not pose a significant health risk. However, in some cases, hemangiomas may lead to complications, including:
- Ulceration: Hemangiomas that are located near the surface of the skin may become ulcerated, leading to pain, infection, and scarring.
- Breathing difficulties: Large hemangiomas that are located near the airway may interfere with breathing, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms.
- Vision problems: Hemangiomas that are located near the eyes may interfere with vision, leading to visual impairment or blindness.
- Speech difficulties: Hemangiomas that are located near the mouth or throat may interfere with speech, leading to difficulty speaking or swallowing.
- Psychological distress: The appearance of a large or noticeable hemangioma may cause psychological distress or low self-esteem, particularly if it is located in a visible area of the body.
- Scarring: Hemangiomas that are treated with surgery or other treatments may result in scarring, which can be permanent and noticeable.
In general, the risk of complications will depend on the size, location, and severity of the hemangioma. If a hemangioma is causing functional problems or significant cosmetic concerns, the doctor may recommend treatment to reduce the size of the lesion and prevent complications.
When to See a Doctor
Parents should seek medical evaluation for their infant if they notice a birthmark or raised red bump on the skin, particularly if it is growing rapidly or causing functional problems. Additionally, parents should seek medical evaluation if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- Breathing difficulties: Infants with hemangiomas located near the airway may experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms.
- Vision problems: Infants with hemangiomas located near the eyes may experience visual impairment or blindness.
- Speech difficulties: Infants with hemangiomas located near the mouth or throat may experience difficulty speaking or swallowing.
- Pain or discomfort: Hemangiomas that are located near the surface of the skin may become ulcerated, causing pain, infection, or other symptoms.
- Bleeding: Hemangiomas may bleed if they are located near the surface of the skin or if they are rubbed or bumped.
- Rapid growth: If a hemangioma is growing rapidly, it may indicate that the lesion is becoming more serious or that it is interfering with normal body functions.
In general, it is recommended that parents seek medical evaluation as soon as possible if they notice any symptoms or changes in their infant’s birthmark. The doctor will be able to determine the cause of the symptoms and provide appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Step-by-Step Guide to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
The step-by-step guide to hemangioma treatment typically includes the following steps:
Medical Evaluation
The first step in treating a hemangioma is to seek medical evaluation from a pediatrician, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon. The doctor will perform a physical exam and review the medical history of the infant, and may also order tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to determine the size, location, and severity of the hemangioma.
Monitoring
In some cases, the doctor may recommend monitoring the hemangioma to see if it improves on its own or if it becomes larger. This is particularly true if the hemangioma is small, located in an area that does not interfere with normal body functions, and is not causing significant cosmetic concerns.
Medical Treatment
If the hemangioma is causing functional problems or if it is growing rapidly, the doctor may recommend medical treatment. This may include medications, such as corticosteroids, which can help to reduce the size of the lesion, or other drugs that can help to reduce the growth of the hemangioma.
Surgical Treatment
If medical treatment is not effective or if the hemangioma is causing significant cosmetic concerns, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment. This may include excision, which involves removing the lesion and closing the wound, or laser therapy, which uses high-energy light to shrink the hemangioma.
Follow-Up Care
After treatment, the doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the hemangioma and to ensure that it is healing properly. The doctor may also recommend additional treatments, such as physical therapy or speech therapy, to help the infant recover from any functional problems caused by the hemangioma.
It is important to note that the specific treatment plan for a hemangioma will depend on several factors, including the size, location, and severity of the lesion, as well as the individual needs and circumstances of the infant. The doctor will work with the parents to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual needs of the infant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hemangioma is a benign tumor that affects people of all ages, but infants are the most commonly affected population. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of Hemangioma to get prompt medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to more successful outcomes and less scarring or disfigurement.
While hemangioma is not currently curable, there are multiple treatments available to manage the condition and reduce its size or appearance. With proper medical care and monitoring, people with Hemangioma can live healthy and normal lives.
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Book an appointment with Dr. Hong today by giving us a call at (416) 222-6986 or sending an email to info@drcolinhong.com. Please make sure to leave your full name, phone number, and email address so that we can get back to you quickly. Additionally, don’t forget to obtain a referral from your family doctor before setting up an appointment for hemangioma treatments with Dr. Colin Hong.
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