Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hemangioma is a condition when there is an abnormal growth under the surface of the skin. However, this type is classified as a benign tumor and is non-cancerous. Check out a full explanation of the symptoms, causes, and how to treat it in the following review.

What are Hemangiomas?

Hemangioma is a type of benign tumor in the form of a lump on the skin. This condition can occur in newborns or be seen as the baby grows.

As the baby gets older, this abnormal growth can usually stop by itself.

Usually, the initial appearance of this condition looks vague, it could even be mistaken for a birthmark. It was only when he was 2-3 weeks old that abnormal blood vessel growth could be seen.

How Common are Hemangiomas?

This condition is a type of tumor that is common in children, especially in newborns. Occurrence likely to happen to one in 20 babies.

Symptoms of Hemangioma

At first it appears on the skin, this condition is shaped like a reddish birthmark. The size can vary, depending on the type.

In addition, these tumor growths can be in any part of the body, including:

• Face.
• Chest.
• Scalp.
• Back.

After a few months, the lump may get bigger and more prominent. In fact, after six months, the bumps may fade and disappear.

Also Read: Often Considered the Same, Recognize the Differences between Malignant and Benign Tumors

When is the Right Time to See a Doctor?

Newborns need regular checkups to the doctor, especially when they find a lump in their body.

During the consultation session, tell the doctor all complaints and current conditions to the doctor, including if there is an abnormal growth of blood vessels or causes other symptoms, such as:

• Discoloration.
• Bleeding.
• Obstructing vision.
• Impairs ability to breathe or eat.

Causes of Hemangioma

This condition is caused by the growth of small blood vessels that are not normal, then cluster together. However, it is not known exactly why this happens.

Although the exact cause of this condition is not clearly known. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of a baby experiencing it, including:

Diagnosis of Hemangioma

The doctor will carry out a physical examination and check whether the condition causes side effects or interferes with the baby’s health.

Usually, further examinations are not needed because this condition will disappear after some time. In other conditions, the doctor will suggest examination with several methods, including:

Types of Hemangioma

In general, there are four types of abnormal blood vessel growth that can occur in children, including:

1. Infantile Hemangioma

Based on the shape and nature, there are three types of hemangiomas that can affect children, including:

• Superficial Hemangiomas (Strawberry Marks)

This type is the most common. It is bright red in color with a textured bumpy surface.

Its appearance can be local (located in one place) or spread to other, wider areas of the body.

The tumor will look like a bruise or be bluish in color. The diagnosis is generally given when swelling has started to appear; usually around 2-4 months of age.

This condition occurs when abnormal blood vessel growth is deep under the skin. The shape resembles a skin blemish that looks shallow.

2. Multiple Hemangioma

This condition occurs when more than five bumps appear on the skin. Generally, the tumor will affect the liver, however can affect other organs in the body.

3. PHACE Syndrome

Children with PHACE syndrome (Posterior fossa anomalies, Hemangioma, Arterial anomaly, Cardiac anomaly, and Eye anomaly) can have large lumps. Sufferers who experience this can also experience several other symptoms.

4. Airway Hemangioma

This type occurs when abnormal blood vessel growths impinge on the airways; usually below the vocal cords.

As a result of this condition, the airway becomes obstructed so that the child’s ability to breathe can be reduced.

This tumor growth can occur for approximately 6-12 months, then it will slowly fade.

Also Read: 11 Types of Brain Tumors You Need to Know

Hemangioma Treatment

Most cases of abnormal blood vessel growth do not require special treatment because they will go away naturally.

However, in certain conditions, such as abnormally thin blood vessels in the skin that cause sores, infections, or growths on the face, special treatment may be needed.

Here’s how to treat hemangiomas that can be done, including:

1. Home Remedies

You can do independent treatment at home as long as you still discuss it with your doctor first. BThere are several ways you can do this, including:

• Keep the skin moist around the bump. You can use a fragrance-free ointment.
• Wash the bleeding lump using soap and water.
• Apply topical antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
• If the lump is bleeding or injured, bandage the wound and change the gauze several times a day.
• Call your doctor immediately if the lump shows any unusual signs.

2. Drugs

Several drugs can be used to treat abnormal blood vessel growth, including:

The abnormally thin blood vessels in the skin or the superficial types can be treated with beta-blockersincluding oral and topical propranolol.

This drug treatment is usually carried out for one year. Consult your doctor again for dosage and rules of use.

Corticosteroid drugs can stop inflammation. This drug can be an alternative treatment for baby’s skin, both in injection preparations and topical drugs (creams).

3. Operation

This treatment is aimed at improving the appearance of the skin and reducing symptoms of inflammation or redness of the skin. In the process, dThe doctor will remove the wound and the abnormally thin blood vessels in the skin.

Meanwhile, the condition of the internal organs can be overcome in the following ways:

• Surgical removal of thin abnormal blood vessels in the skin.
• Surgical removal of organs damaged by abnormally thin blood vessels.
• Binding the blood supply to the affected site; internal organs (liver).

The doctor will provide the best advice and treatment for your child.

Also Read: Can Mothers with Benign Tumors in the Breast Breastfeed?

Hemangioma Complications

Abnormal growth of blood vessels can cause various complications, such as:

• Pain in the lump.
• Bleeding if the lump bursts.
• Scar tissue appears.
• Infection.

In addition, although it rarely occurs, this condition also carries the risk of interfering with vision, hearing and breathing.

Prevention of Hemangioma

Until now there is no way that can be done to prevent this condition. However, you don’t need to worry too much because generally the condition is not dangerous.

If you find abnormalities in the condition, immediately consult your doctor again to get the best solution to handle it.

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