Overview
A hemangioma is a type of birthmark that appears as a bright red bump or flat red patch on the skin. It is made up of extra blood vessels and typically appears on the face, scalp, chest, or back. Hemangiomas usually appear in the first month of life and may disappear by age 5 or 10 without requiring treatment. However, in some cases, treatment may be necessary if the hemangioma causes problems with vision, breathing, or other important functions or if it is in a cosmetically sensitive area.
Understanding the disease
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing hemangioma include:
- Female gender
- White ethnicity
- Born prematurely
- Low birth weight regarding other risk factors for developing hemangioma.
Development
Hemangiomas develop when blood vessels group together in a dense clump, but the exact cause of this clumping is not known. Risk factors include being female, white, or born prematurely, as well as having a low birth weight. Hemangiomas can sometimes break down and develop a sore, leading to pain, bleeding, scarring, or infection. However, such complications are rare, and treatment is usually only needed if the hemangioma causes problems with important bodily functions such as vision, breathing, hearing, or going to the bathroom.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if hemangioma is suspected when it causes problems with an important bodily function, such as your child's vision, breathing, hearing, or ability to go to the bathroom. Additionally, seek medical care if the hemangioma bleeds, forms a sore, or looks infected. If genetic testing isn't done or the results aren't helpful, then a healthcare provider might recommend repeated echocardiograms if you have a family member with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Adolescents and competitive athletes should be screened once a year, while adults who don't compete in athletics should be screened every five years.
Diagnosis
In most cases, a health care provider can diagnose a hemangioma by looking at it. Tests typically aren't needed. If a hemangioma causes problems or is of cosmetic concern due to size or location, the health care provider may recommend imaging tests to locate the hemangioma. These tests may include ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or other methods to determine the extent of the hemangioma. If there is a suspicion of cancerous changes, a biopsy may be performed to remove a sample of tissue for laboratory testing.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of hemangioma include:
- Breaking down and developing a sore: A hemangioma may rupture, leading to pain, bleeding, scarring, or infection.
- Impairment of important bodily functions: In rare cases, a hemangioma may cause problems with vision, breathing, hearing, or the ability to go to the bathroom. Please note that while hemangiomas can cause discomfort and may impact a child's appearance, they usually resolve on their own without significant complications. It's essential to consult a healthcare provider if the hemangioma bleeds, forms a sore, or appears infected, or if it causes problems with vital bodily functions.
Treatment
Treatment for hemangiomas is generally not needed, as they often fade over time and disappear by age 10. However, in certain cases, treatment may be considered for hemangiomas that cause problems with vision, breathing, or other important bodily functions, or if they are in a cosmetically sensitive area. Treatment options may include:
- Observation: In most cases, hemangiomas do not require treatment, as they tend to shrink and disappear on their own over time.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to treat complications such as bleeding or infection, or to help shrink the hemangioma.
- Surgical removal: Surgery may be considered if the hemangioma is causing significant problems or if it is affecting a child's appearance. However, surgery carries risks and is usually reserved for severe cases. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your child's specific situation.