By Dr. Gina RosenfeldA hemangioma is one of the most common types of birthmarks / anomalies that can affect new born children; it is identified by the abnormally large accumulation of blood vessels under the skin.
There are two types of hemangioma, classified most simply as either "superficial" or "deep". Superficial hemangiomas appear above the surface of the skin and deep hemangiomas appear below. Deep hemangiomas appear as a blue or gray discoloration on a portion of skin, while superficial hemangiomas will appear as a bright red and raised growth. A mixed hemangioma displays characteristics of superficial and deep hemangiomas.
Hemanagiomas can appear anywhere on the body, but are commonly found on the upper body, including the face and neck. If they appear at all in life, they are more likely to appear during the first year of life.
In most cases, hemangiomas are benign and slowly disappear over time. Half of the hemangiomas that affect children clear up by age five, and nearly all cases clear up by age nine or ten. Even though the actual growth is likely to clear up by age ten, permanent (but usually very faint) discoloration of the skin may remain into adolescence and adulthood.
Usually, hemangiomas don't require any special attention and can be monitored during the child's routine doctor visits. Should the growth become sore, bruised, firm, infected, begin to bleed, or grow suddenly within a 48 hour period, then the child's pediatrician should be informed as soon as possible.
In the event that a hemangioma affects the child's quality of life, either by blocking breathing, eye sight, hearing, or waste production, steroids (administered orally, topically, or by injection) or laser treatments may be used to slowly remove the hemangioma. Even though laser treatment is becoming more and more common, it is not uncommon to find doctors who still prefer steroid therapy in lieu of or in addition to laser therapy. Laser therapy is preferred by many doctors because it allows the vessels that form the hemangioma to be targeted directly and destroyed without harming the skin around them.
Doctors don't know exactly what causes hemangiomas, but studies have suggested that certain naturally occurring proteins present in the womb during pregnancy are to blame. Statistically, hemangiomas are more likely to affect babies who are Caucasian, female, or premature, but all children are at risk. Even though there is no known way to prevent hemangiomas from forming, doctors have determined that hemangiomas are localized, and therefore aren't contagious. No precautions have to be taken around children with hemangiomas.
Since children with hemangiomas may become the target of taunting from friends and classmates, parents should explain to children that their hemangioma is just a birthmark that makes them special and that it isn't going to last forever. They should be taught to accept the things that make them different and they should learn how to explain their differences to other kids without resorting to violence or more harsh words.
As always, be sure to have a physician diagnose any growths, lesions, or discolorations before assuming that a child has a hemangioma. In very rare instances, a growth or lesion will display the qualities of a hemangioma but will be connected to a more serious condition. The child's pediatrician can perform simple tests if there are any doubts.
Dr. Gina Rosenfeld is a San Diego Pediatrician who has been in practice for 35 years. She is also a member of Children's Physicians Medical Group.
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