Here are some important facts that may be helpful if you are looking for information about infantile hemangiomas.
1 . A hemangioma is a benign, blood-filled tumor.
2 . Most hemangiomas are not visible at birth. When they do appear, they may first show up as a small bruise, scratch or tiny red bump.
3 . Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor in infants. 14 in 100 children are born with a vascular birthmark; most are hemangiomas.
4 . 10% of these children require the opinion of a specialist.
5 . Approximately 83% occur on the head and neck area. The remaining 17% appear throughout the the rest of the body (both externally and internally).
6 . There are 3 types of infantile hemangiomas:
Superficial: Occur on the outer layers of the skin and appear reddish in color.
Deep: Grow under the skin, may be blue, purple or even skin color.
Mixed: Have both superficial and deep components.
7 . Hemangiomas may run in families, but a proven genetic or chromosomal link has yet to be found.
8 . They are more common in girls than boys and predominantly in caucasians.
9 . Also babies who are born early (premature) or who have low birthweight are more likely to have an infantile hemangioma.
10 . Most hemangiomas will not cause any problems. However, about 25% of hemangiomas will have a complication. Possible complications include: Interference with organ function, ulceration or bleeding.
11 . Hemangiomas can grow for up to 18 months and then begin a long slow regression known as involution. This involution can last from 3- 10 years.
12 . Most hemangiomas do not cause discomfort for your baby unless ulceration occurs. Ulcerations can be painful, even before you can see them.
13 . Many vascular malformations are mistakenly labeled as hemangiomas. Not all vascular lesions are hemangiomas.
14 . Hemangiomas respond positively to Propranolol (Hemangeol) and other betablockers.
15 . Hemangiomas do not result from anything you did or did not do during the pregnancy.
16 . The final appearance of a hemangioma depend on a number of things, including:
The size
The location
Whether the hemangioma became ulcerated or infected
17 . Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment is key.
18 . If there are 5 or more hemangiomas, no matter how small or large, the baby should have an abdominal ultrasound to rule out internal lesions, especially liver hemangiomas.
19 . Not all babies have a great response to beta blockers. Some require a change or combination therapy. Some experts will add a little bit of oral steroids to the beta blocker, for a short duration, to get the ulcer under control.
20 . When a baby’s hemangioma is growing, it is called the “proliferative phase” and when it is shrinking, it is called the “involution phase.” The angry red of the hemangioma usually begins to turn a dusky color when it is beginning its involution process. So, it is a good sign to see the angry red turn to gray.
21 . No matter how big or how small, any lesion on the upper or lower eyelid c
an result in astigmatism or other eye complications if not treated immediately. The slightest pressure against the globe (eyeball) can reshape it and cause astigmatism. If your baby has an eyelid hemangioma, insist on treatment and insist on getting regular pediatric eye exams.
With information from:
Vascular Birthmark Foundation: https://birthmark.org/
VBF Hemangiomas FAQ: https://birthmark.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hemangioma-FAQ-030422.pdf
Children's Wisconsin: www.childrenswi.org
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