Types,issues,prognosis,management of external hemangiomas: Understanding variations, potential complications, long-term prospects, and treatment options for external hemangiomas.
In the first few weeks of infancy, a common sight for many parents is the appearance of external hemangiomas, red marks near the surface of the skin. Although these tumours are a type of tumour, they rarely spread and are unlikely to become cancerous.
Hemangiomas occur when additional blood vessels develop, typically starting to get smaller when a child is about 12 to 15 months old and most resolving between the ages of 3 and 10. However, complications can arise, particularly for those located on sensitive areas like the face or near essential structures such as the eyes, mouth, and nose. These complications primarily include ulceration and skin breakdown, bleeding, cosmetic and functional issues, residual skin changes, and, in rare cases, complications related to associated syndromes.
Ulceration and skin breakdown are common when large hemangiomas, subject to friction or trauma, ulcerate, leading to painful open sores that may become infected. Bleeding is another potential issue due to their vascular nature, especially when injured or ulcerated. Large hemangiomas can also cause disfigurement and interfere with normal function, such as vision, breathing, or feeding. After involution, hemangiomas often leave behind residual discoloration, scarring, or changes in skin texture.
In cases where a hemangioma causes problems, medical intervention may be necessary. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, can be prescribed to reduce the size of a hemangioma, although it can have adverse effects on heart rate and blood pressure. Oral or topical corticosteroids may also be used to shrink the blood vessels, and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection if an ulcer forms.
If a hemangioma starts to bleed, applying pressure with a clean cloth for at least 5 minutes and seeking medical help is essential. For hemangiomas that form on the lips, causing ulcers that disrupt feeding, applying petroleum jelly to the teat of the baby's bottle, nipples if breastfeeding, or lips may ease discomfort.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to prevent a hemangioma from causing damage to surrounding tissue, such as if it is large or near the eye. However, complications include bleeding and the possibility that the hemangioma will come back.
It's important to note that there are different types of hemangiomas, including capillary, cavernous, lobular capillary, and cherry angioma. A doctor can usually diagnose a hemangioma by looking at it, and most hemangiomas shrink and disappear when a child is around 5-10 years old.
After a hemangioma disappears, it may leave an area of slightly lighter skin, small blood vessels, stretched skin showing wrinkling, a slight distortion in the skin, or cosmetic surgery can often improve any unwanted effects.
In conclusion, while external hemangiomas are generally benign, they can cause complications such as pain and ulceration. Parents should monitor their child's hemangiomas and seek medical help if they notice any unusual changes or discomfort. With proper care and treatment, most children with hemangiomas will grow up with minimal long-term effects.
- Hemangiomas are often diagnosed by a doctor simply by looking at them, and most of these tumors shrink and disappear when a child is around 5-10 years old.
- Large hemangiomas, subject to friction or trauma, can ulcerate, leading to painful open sores that may become infected, causing skin breakdown and potential complications.
- In cases where a hemangioma causes problems, medical intervention can include the use of propranolol, a beta-blocker, to reduce the size of the hemangioma, but it can have adverse effects on heart rate and blood pressure.
- For hemangiomas that form on the lips, causing ulcers that disrupt feeding, applying petroleum jelly to the teat of the baby's bottle, nipples if breastfeeding, or lips may ease discomfort.
- Surgery may be recommended for large hemangiomas that are near sensitive areas or essential structures, such as the eyes, mouth, and nose, to prevent damage to surrounding tissue, but complications can include bleeding and the possibility that the hemangioma will come back.
- In addition to skin-related complications, mental health can also be affected by the appearance of external hemangiomas, and parents should monitor their child for any signs of emotional distress due to their child's medical condition.
