What is a Hemangioma?
A hemangioma is a type of birthmark. It is the most common benign tumor of the skin. They may be present at birth (faint red mark) or appear in the first months after birth.
Other terms used: port wine stain, strawberry hemangioma and salmon patch.
What is a malformation?
A vascular malformation is another type of birthmark or congenital growth made up of arteries, veins, capillaries or lymphatic vessels. There are several different types of malformations and they are named according to which type of blood vessel predominates.
Other terms: lymphangioma, anteriovenous malformations; vascular gigantism.
What is the difference between a hemangioma and a vascular malformation?
Most hemangiomas are not present at birth or are very faint red marks. Shortly after birth they grow rapidly, faster than the child’s growth. They then become smaller (involute) and lighter overtime. The process of involution may take several years.
Vascular malformations are present at birth and enlarge proportionately with the growth of the child. They do not involute spontaneously and may become more apparent as the child grows.
Why do hemangiomas and vascular malformations occur?
The cause for hemangiomas and vascular malformations is not known. The incidence of hemangiomas is 10-12% in Caucasian children.
What should I do if my child has a hemangioma or vascular malformation?
Large and/or life threatening lesions should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists that include: Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Ophthalmologists, Radiologists and other specialists depending on what organs are involved.
What is the treatment for a hemangioma?
No treatment is usually recommended for small, non-invasive hemangiomas, since they will involute on their own. However, hemangiomas that cause bleeding problems, feeding or breathing difficulties, growth disturbances or impairment of vision may require medical or surgical intervention.
Treatment may consist of steroid medications, embolization of blood vessels or removal by laser or surgical excision.
How are vascular malformations treated?
Each type of malformation is treated differently. Laser therapy is usually effective for capillary malformations or port wine stains, which tend to be flat violet or red patches on the face. Arterial malformations are often treated by embolization (blood flow into malformation is blocked by injecting near the lesion). Venous malformations are usually treated by direct injection of a sclerosing, (clotting) medicine which causes clotting of the channels.
Most often a combination of these various treatments is used for effective management of the lesion.
