Summary about Disease
A hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of blood vessels. They are common, especially in infants, and often appear as a raised, rubbery, bright red or purple mark on the skin. Most infantile hemangiomas are not present at birth but appear in the first few weeks of life. They typically grow rapidly, then slowly shrink over time. Hemangiomas can also occur internally, affecting organs such as the liver, but this is less common.
Symptoms
Skin Hemangiomas:
Raised, red or purple patch on the skin
May be small and flat initially, then grow and become raised
Can be located anywhere on the body
May feel warm to the touch
May bleed if injured.
Internal Hemangiomas (e.g., Liver): Often asymptomatic, detected incidentally during imaging for other reasons. In rare cases, large hemangiomas may cause abdominal pain, nausea, or a feeling of fullness.
Causes
The exact cause of hemangiomas is not fully understood. They are thought to arise from an abnormal proliferation of endothelial cells, which line blood vessels. Risk factors may include:
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Female sex
Caucasian ethnicity
Multiple pregnancies.
Medicine Used
Beta-blockers (Propranolol): The most common first-line treatment for problematic infantile hemangiomas. It works by constricting blood vessels and inhibiting their growth.
Topical Beta-blockers (Timolol): Can be effective for small, superficial hemangiomas.
Corticosteroids: Used less often due to potential side effects.
Laser Therapy: Can be used to reduce the size and color of hemangiomas.
Surgery: Rarely needed, usually reserved for hemangiomas that don't respond to other treatments or cause significant complications.
Is Communicable
No, hemangiomas are not contagious. They are not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Protect the hemangioma from injury to prevent bleeding.
Keep the area clean and dry.
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding medication or other treatments.
Monitor the hemangioma for any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).
Consult a doctor if the hemangioma is located near the eye, nose, mouth, or airway, as it may interfere with these functions.
How long does an outbreak last?
Hemangiomas don't have "outbreaks". They typically go through a growth phase followed by a slow involution (shrinkage) phase. The growth phase usually occurs in the first 5-6 months of life, while the involution phase can last for several years, often completing by age 5-10. The exact duration varies depending on the size and location of the hemangioma.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: Most hemangiomas are diagnosed based on their appearance.
Ultrasound: May be used to evaluate the size and depth of the hemangioma, especially if it is located deeper in the skin.
MRI or CT Scan: May be used to evaluate internal hemangiomas or to assess the extent of larger skin hemangiomas.
Biopsy: Rarely needed, but may be performed if the diagnosis is uncertain.
Timeline of Symptoms
Birth or Shortly After: Often, the hemangioma is not present at birth or appears as a faint red mark.
Weeks to Months (Proliferative Phase): Rapid growth of the hemangioma, becoming raised and more prominent.
6-12 Months: Growth slows down or stops.
Years (Involution Phase): Slow shrinkage and fading of the hemangioma. The skin may return to normal, but some discoloration or scarring may remain.
Important Considerations
Most infantile hemangiomas will shrink on their own without treatment.
Treatment is usually reserved for hemangiomas that are causing problems, such as interfering with vision, breathing, or feeding, or that are large and disfiguring.
Early intervention may be beneficial in certain cases to minimize long-term complications.
Internal hemangiomas may require monitoring to ensure they are not growing or causing symptoms.
It's important to have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor the hemangioma and adjust treatment as needed.