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Hemangioma
Cavernous hemangioma; Strawberry nevus; Birthmark - hemangioma
A hemangioma is an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs.
Causes
About one third of hemangiomas are present at birth. The rest appear in the first several months of life.
The hemangioma may be:
-
In the top skin layers (
capillary hemangioma
)
Capillary hemangioma
Red birthmarks are skin markings created by blood vessels close to the skin surface. They develop before or shortly after birth.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Deeper in the skin (cavernous hemangioma)
- A mixture of both
Symptoms
Symptoms of a hemangioma are:
- A red to reddish-purple, raised sore (lesion) on the skin
- A massive, raised, tumor with blood vessels
Most hemangiomas are on the face and neck.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will do a physical exam to diagnose a hemangioma. If the buildup of blood vessels is deep inside the body, a CT or MRI scan may be needed.
CT
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
A hemangioma may occur with other rare conditions. Other tests to check for related problems may be done.
Treatment
The majority of small or uncomplicated hemangiomas may not need treatment. They often go away on their own and the appearance of the skin returns to normal. Sometimes, a laser may be used to remove the small blood vessels.
Cavernous hemangiomas that involve the eyelid and block vision can be treated with lasers or steroid injections to shrink them. This allows vision to develop normally. Large cavernous hemangiomas or mixed hemangiomas may be treated with steroids, taken by mouth or injected into the hemangioma.
Taking beta-blocker medicines may also help reduce the size of a hemangioma.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Small superficial hemangiomas will often disappear on their own. About half go away by age 5, and almost all disappear by age 9.
Possible Complications
These complications can occur from a hemangioma:
- Bleeding (especially if the hemangioma is injured)
- Problems with breathing and eating
- Psychological problems, from skin appearance
-
Secondary infections
and sores
Secondary infections
A secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment for another infection. It may be caused by the first treatment or by cha...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Visible changes in the skin
- Vision problems
When to Contact a Medical Professional
All birthmarks, including hemangiomas, should be evaluated by your health care provider during a regular exam.
Hemangiomas of the eyelid that may cause problems with vision must be treated soon after birth. Hemangiomas that interfere with eating or breathing also need to be treated early.
Call your provider if a hemangioma is bleeding or develops a sore.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent hemangiomas.
References
Habif TP. Vascular tumors and malformations. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 23.
Martin KL. Vascular disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 650.
Patterson JW. Vascular tumors. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2015:chap 38.
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Hemangioma - angiogram - illustration
This angiogram (an X-ray taken after dye has been injected into the blood stream) shows a mass of blood vessels (hemangioma) in the liver.
Hemangioma - angiogram
illustration
-
Hemangioma on the face (nose) - illustration
Hemangiomas are tumors made up of dilated blood vessels that usually appear shortly after birth, although they may be present at birth. Hemangiomas on the face can be disfiguring and may interfere with visual development or cause obstruction of the airway.
Hemangioma on the face (nose)
illustration
-
Circulatory system - illustration
Blood used by the body is brought back to the heart and lungs by the veins of the body. Once the blood has gathered more oxygen from the lungs, it is pumped back out to the body through the arteries.
Circulatory system
illustration
-
Hemangioma excision - illustration
A hemangioma is a non-cancerous (benign) growth of blood vessels. They are the most common benign blood vessel (vascular) growths in infants and children. Most resolve with time and occasionally with medication. Large or disfiguring hemangiomas may require surgical excision.
Hemangioma excision
illustration
-
Hemangioma - angiogram - illustration
This angiogram (an X-ray taken after dye has been injected into the blood stream) shows a mass of blood vessels (hemangioma) in the liver.
Hemangioma - angiogram
illustration
-
Hemangioma on the face (nose) - illustration
Hemangiomas are tumors made up of dilated blood vessels that usually appear shortly after birth, although they may be present at birth. Hemangiomas on the face can be disfiguring and may interfere with visual development or cause obstruction of the airway.
Hemangioma on the face (nose)
illustration
-
Circulatory system - illustration
Blood used by the body is brought back to the heart and lungs by the veins of the body. Once the blood has gathered more oxygen from the lungs, it is pumped back out to the body through the arteries.
Circulatory system
illustration
-
Hemangioma excision - illustration
A hemangioma is a non-cancerous (benign) growth of blood vessels. They are the most common benign blood vessel (vascular) growths in infants and children. Most resolve with time and occasionally with medication. Large or disfiguring hemangiomas may require surgical excision.
Hemangioma excision
illustration
Review Date: 10/24/2016
Reviewed By: David L. Swanson, MD, Vice Chair of Medical Dermatology, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
