Hemangiomas: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Hemangiomas are benign vascular lesions that appear on the skin immediately after birth or within the first months of life. They usually regress over time and disappear, while in some cases medical intervention may be required.
What are hemangiomas?
Hemangiomas are formed by clusters of abnormal blood vessels, leading to the formation of a reddish or purple mass on the skin.
The most common areas where they appear are:
- the head
- the face
- the back or
- the limbs
although, in general, they may appear anywhere on the body.
Classification of hemangiomas
Hemangiomas are divided into two categories:
- Superficial hemangiomas, also known as cherry hemangiomas, which appear as reddish spots on the skin
- Deep hemangiomas, which develop deeper in the skin and have a purple or blue color.
What causes hemangiomas?
Hemangiomas are believed to be caused by an abnormality in the formation of blood vessels that occurs during early fetal development. However, the exact mechanism behind the vascular lesion is not completely clear.
Are there any predisposing factors for the development of hemangiomas?
The risk of a child developing hemangiomas increases when:
- there is a twin or multiple pregnancy
- the child is female
- there is a family history
- there is premature birth
What symptoms do hemangiomas cause?
Hemangiomas are usually asymptomatic. They do not cause discomfort or pain.
However, in some cases they may:
- develop ulcers or cause bleeding
- increase in size
- affect breathing or vision if they develop near the airways or the eyes.
When should you consult a doctor?
Most hemangiomas are not a cause for concern and usually only cause aesthetic concerns.
This is also the most common reason why someone may visit a plastic surgeon.
However, very rarely, immediate medical intervention may be required, especially if they:
- are accompanied by bleeding or pain
- increase rapidly in size
- develop in sensitive areas such as the lips, eyes, eyelids or neck.
What treatments do we use for hemangiomas?
The treatment of hemangiomas depends on their location, size and the symptoms they cause.
The main treatment options are:
- Medication
Propranolol has been found to reduce the blood supply to hemangiomas through its mechanism of action, which can lead to a reduction in their size. - Laser
We usually use laser treatment for superficial hemangiomas, with very good results. - Surgical excision
Depending on the location, surgical excision may be performed directly or after embolization to reduce the size of the lesion, usually in cases of large hemangiomas or hemangiomas that appear in specific areas.
Conclusion
Hemangiomas are benign vascular lesions of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that appear at birth and usually regress gradually.
In some cases, treatment may be required.
If the appearance of a hemangioma bothers you aesthetically, or if you notice that it is growing, painful or bleeding, you can schedule an appointment so we can clinically examine you at one of the KOUTSOURIS PLASTIC SURGERY Centers.
