Skin & Soft Tissue: Hemangioma

Hemangioma

Basics

  • Benign Proliferation of Endothelial Cells
  • Primarily in Pediatrics
    • Most Common Benign Tumor of Infancy
  • Types:
    • Congenital Hemangioma – Present at Birth
    • Infantile Hemangioma – Present After Birth

Sites

  • Head & Neck (60% – Most Common)
  • Trunk (25%)
  • Extremities (15%)

Risk Factors

  • Caucasian
  • Female
  • Prematurity or Low Birth Weight

Presentation

  • “Strawberry” Appearance
  • Raised, Lobulated & Bright Red
  • Diameter 1-5 cm
  • Rapid Growth in the First Year, Most Resolve After 7-9 Years

Hemangioma 1

Diagnosis

  • Mostly Clinical (Based on History and Physical Exam)
  • May Consider Skin Biopsy if Uncertain

Treatment

  • Most Require No Intervention
  • Medical Therapy
    • Indications:
      • Periorbital Lesion
      • Disfiguring
      • Involve Airway
    • Treatment Options:
      • Propranolol (Beta-Blocker) – First-Line
      • Steroid Injection
  • Indications for Surgical Resection:
    • Failure of Medical Therapy
    • Inhibiting Function

References

  1. Zeimusu. Wikimedia Commons. (License: Public Domain)