Hemangioma is a benign tumor formed by abnormal accumulation of blood vessels, which can appear in different parts of the body, but is more common in the skin, face, neck, scalp and trunk, resulting in the appearance of a swollen area with a reddish hue or purple spot. However, hemangiomas can vary considerably in size, shape and color.
Depending on the period in which it appears, the hemangioma can be categorized as:
- In most cases.
- Hemangioma gradually decreases after the first year of life and therefore no treatment is usually necessary.
- As hemangioma does not cause major complications and does not develop into cancer.
The specific reason for the onset of hemangiomas is unknown, however, this alteration appears to be more common in girls, premature babies and cases where the pregnant woman has had to undergo invasive examinations during pregnancy, such as a placenta biopsy. or an aspiration of amniotic fluid. Like what.
The main types of hemangioma include
Generally, flat or cavernous hemangiomas are congenital, meaning the baby is born with them. Learn about the other causes of red spots on your baby’s skin.
The only hemangioma that normally causes a type of symptom is hemangioma that develops on the skin, as it results in the appearance of a slightly swollen and reddish or purple color.
On the other hand, hemangiomas that develop in organs, such as the liver and kidneys, or in the spine, for example, usually do not have specific symptoms, being identified during a routine exam, such as ultrasound, CT or MRI. .
While not serious and malignant transformation is rare, depending on the location of the hemangioma, there may be a commitment to the development of certain functions and therefore should always be evaluated by a doctor. For example, when present near the eye, it can interfere with the development of vision.
Treatment of hemangioma is almost always done only with the doctor’s control of the problem, as it is common for the hemangioma to go away on its own over time. In some cases, your doctor may recommend seeing another specialist, such as a hepatologist to evaluate and control hemangioma in your liver, or your dermatologist, for a hemangioma on your skin, for example.
Hemangioma surgery is primarily recommended when the tumor causes complications such as airway obstruction, interferes with vision or hearing, or hinders heart functioning, and excess vessels need to be removed and symptoms relieved. In addition, surgery can also be used in some cases only to improve aesthetic appearance.
Before surgery, your doctor may recommend treatments such as laser therapy or sclerotherapy, capable of reducing blood flow and eliminating certain vessels, or using medications, such as corticosteroids or beta blockers, that may decrease the proliferation of vessels, chosen depending on the characteristics of each case.