Hemangioma in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hemangiomas are benign growths of blood vessels that can occur in infants and young children, affecting up to 10% of babies, with a higher prevalence in girls.

These growths can be present from birth and grow rapidly during the first months of life, before beginning to regress on their own. Approximately 50% of cutaneous hemangiomas are completely resected by 5 years, and 70-90% by 9 years.

Types of Hemangiomas

There are two main types of hemangiomas:

• Cutaneous hemangioma: appears on the skin, most often on the face, scalp, back, or chest.
• Internal hemangioma: forms on internal organs, such as the liver, spine, or brain, and is more difficult to detect.

Causes of Hemangioma

The exact causes of hemangioma are unknown, but research suggests that genetic factors or hormonal changes in the mother’s body may play a role.

Hemangiomas occur more often in:

• Girls (three times more common in girls than boys)
• Premature babies
• Low birth weight babies

Symptoms of Hemangioma

The symptoms of hemangiomas vary depending on their location and size. Cutaneous hemangiomas are generally visible as:

• Red or purple spots that look like a small bruise or lump
• Lesions that grow rapidly during the first months of life
• Fine or rough texture, depending on the development of the lesion

If the hemangioma is located on an internal organ, the symptoms may be more difficult to diagnose and may depend on the organ affected.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor if:

• The hemangioma grows quickly and causes discomfort or pain
• It affects the normal functioning of the organs (sight, breathing, nutrition)
• Bleeding or ulceration occurs frequently
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or discharge of pus from the wound, are present

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hemangioma

A hemangioma is usually diagnosed by visual inspection. Cutaneous hemangiomas are easy to recognize, while internal hemangiomas may require further investigation.

The doctor may recommend:

• Ultrasound to evaluate internal hemangiomas or confirm their presence
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the size of the hemangioma
• Tissue sample to rule out other conditions

Treatment options include:

• Hydrocortisone cream for cutaneous hemangiomas
• Oral treatment with propanolol for internal hemangiomas
• Laser therapy for superficial hemangiomas that have left scars after removal
• Surgical intervention in severe cases