Types of hemangiomas
Infantile hemangioma is absent at birth or visible as a barely noticeable spot and goes through three phases: rapid growth in the first months, stabilization and slow regression. Superficial hemangiomas are bright red, deep hemangiomas look like a bluish swelling under the skin, mixed hemangiomas combine both components. Congenital hemangiomas are fully formed at birth and behave differently. Separately, there are vascular malformations, for example “port wine stain”, which are not a tumor and do not go away on their own.
- Superficial infantile hemangioma
- Deep - bluish lump under the skin
- Mixed
- Congenital hemangioma
- Cherry angiomas in adults
- Hemangiomas of the liver and vertebrae
Causes and risk factors
The exact reason is unknown. It is believed that hemangioma develops from immature vascular cells, and the impetus for its growth can be a lack of oxygen in the tissues during the prenatal period. Hemangiomas are more common in girls, premature babies and low birth weight babies, multiple pregnancies and some placental complications. Hemangiomas are not associated with the mother's diet, her actions or the child's bruises and are not transmitted from person to person.
- Prematurity
- Low birth weight
- Female gender
- Multiple pregnancy
- Complications from the placenta
Symptoms and possible complications
Superficial hemangioma looks like a bright red, raised spot with clear edges, soft to the touch. Deep - like a warm bluish formation under the skin. With reverse development, gray areas appear in the center, the tumor becomes softer and smaller. Complications depend on the location: ulceration and bleeding most often occur on the lips and in the diaper area, hemangioma of the eyelid can disrupt the development of vision, leaves a cosmetic defect in the nose and lips, and makes breathing difficult in the respiratory tract.
- Bright red raised spot
- Bluish lump under the skin
- Ulceration and bleeding
- Visual impairment with hemangioma of the eyelid
- Residual skin changes after reversal
- Difficulty breathing due to respiratory tract damage
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is usually made upon examination, taking into account the time of appearance and growth dynamics. It is helpful to photograph the hemangioma regularly so your doctor can assess the rate of change. Ultrasound with Dopplerography clarifies the depth and blood flow, helps to distinguish hemangioma from malformations and other tumors. For five or more hemangiomas on the skin, an ultrasound of the liver is recommended. For large hemangioma of the face or in the lumbosacral area, MRI and consultation with other specialists may be required. In adults, hemangiomas of the liver and vertebrae are detected by ultrasound, CT or MRI.
- Examination by a dermatologist or pediatrician
- Photocontrol of growth
- Ultrasound of soft tissues with Dopplerography
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity for multiple hemangiomas
- MRI according to indications
- Examination by an ophthalmologist for hemangioma near the eye
Treatment
Most small hemangiomas in non-threatening areas are only observed. Treatment begins when there is a threat to vision or breathing, ulceration, rapid growth on the face and the risk of a pronounced cosmetic defect. The main method is drugs from the group of beta-blockers orally, which are prescribed and monitored by doctors; for small superficial lesions, local forms are sometimes used. Laser is used to treat ulcerations and residual vessels, and surgery is used to correct residual changes. Cauterization and folk remedies are unacceptable.
- Do not cauterize or injure the hemangioma
- Show the child to a specialist in the first weeks of growth
- Take photographs of the outbreak regularly
- Protect ulcerated hemangioma as recommended by a doctor
- Start drug treatment only under the supervision of a doctor
- Liver hemangiomas in adults are usually only observed
