Hemangioma

Hemangioma is a fairly common skin condition that affects thousands of people every year. It is caused by an abnormal overgrowth of blood vessels in the skin, which leads to a red, raised bump that can be either flat or protruding. Though usually not harmful, these tumors can create a sense of self-consciousness or be associated with functional deficits. If left untreated, hemangiomas can be unsightly and cause functional problems.

Symptoms of Hemangioma

Hemangiomas are typically noticeable at birth and tend to grow during the first six months of infancy. These growths are generally harmless, but their rapid growth can cause functional issues such as vision hindrance, nasal obstruction, or feeding difficulties. As they increase in size, hemangiomas may show signs of whitening near their center. They can also “weep” and form scabs that eventually fall off. It’s essential to monitor the hemangioma since it can cause complications such as infections, ulcerations, and bleeding.

Diagnosis of Hemangioma

Hemangioma is usually diagnosed through clinical examination by an expert in dermatology or pediatric surgery. The doctor can typically recognize the appearance of a hemangioma by its red or purple color and bumpy texture.

To differentiate from other skin lesions, such as vascular malformations or tumors, imaging studies, especially ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are commonly used. Ultrasound performed by an experienced radiologist can show features suggestive of a hemangioma, such as internal vascularization or spherical shape.

Furthermore, an MRI can provide more details about the hemangioma, including its location, size, tissue depth, and extent of internal characteristics. These tests are not necessary for diagnosing most hemangiomas but can be necessary for specific cases.

Management of Hemangioma

Most hemangiomas don’t require any significant intervention or management as most grow, reach their peak size, and spontaneously fade over time. Given the potential growth and functional problems that may arise, some infantile hemangiomas may benefit from treatment.

Several options are available for treating hemangiomas. Most commonly, topical drugs, such as beta-blockers like infantile low dose oral propranolol (ILOPRO), work to reduce the enlargement of blood vessels and prevent new vessels from forming. In some cases, steroids may be administered in conjunction with beta-blockers or intermittently when there are functional deficits, causing life-threatening complications or cosmetic deformities.

Surgical interventions and laser treatments may also be an option for removing or reducing the appearance of the hemangioma. However, the latter doesn’t eliminate the hemangioma, just lessens its prominence in some cases.

To sum it up

Hemangiomas are a common skin condition caused by an abnormal overgrowth of blood vessels in the skin. They can appear during infancy and grow rapidly during the first six months of life. Though they are generally harmless, they can cause functional issues and impact individuals’ quality of life as they mature. Monitoring, clinical examination, and imaging studies can aid in the diagnosis of hemangiomas. Because they can cause complications such as bleeding, ulcerations, or infections, treatment plans are required on a case-by-case basis. Topical drugs, steroids, surgery, or laser treatment is the most common options for treating hemangiomas. It is essential to speak with your dermatologist or doctor because untreated hemangiomas may lead to severe consequences.