Hamangiomas, which are called by various names such as vascular nevi, benign vascular tumor and rose spot, are red-purple skin lesions seen in various parts of the body. These lesions, which can be seen in two different types as simple and widespread, are also classified in different ways according to the region and organ involved. Accurate diagnosis and close follow-up of hemangiomas, which are one of the most common problems especially in infancy and childhood, are extremely important for effective treatment.
What is Hemangioma?
With red-purple lesions on the skin Hemangioma, which progresses and is often called vascular nevi, can be defined as a benign vascular tumor that is present at birth or occurs within a few weeks after birth. These tumors, which arise as a result of the increase in endothelial cells located in the inner side of the vascular walls, are the most common benign tumors of childhood. These lesions, known as vascular nevi, are commonly seen in the head and neck region. In the initial phase, it is completely red in appearance, hard and slightly warm. In the later stages, it becomes a little softer, less warm and paler in color. When the lesion completes its formation, it loses its swelling and becomes flat. These lesions, which are called congenital capillary skin hemangiomas in medicine, can show superficial involvement on the skin and affect only the skin and capillary tissue in that area, as well as appear deeply located and affect different organs and tissues. The most common form is the superficial form of involvement, which causes only red-purple discoloration of the skin and is limited to the area where it is located. Such hemangiomas are called simple hemangiomas. However, the presence of multiple lesions in different parts of the skin, a few millimeters or a few centimeters in size, is defined as diffuse hemangioma. Between 50 and 60% of hemangiomas are superficial, 15% are deep, and 25 to 35% are both superficial and deep (mixed). In the presence of deep hemangioma, different organs, especially the liver, are at risk. Therefore, these patients should be evaluated in terms of internal organ involvement and rapid treatment should be attempted to prevent tissue or organ damage. are to be implemented. Frequently asked “What does hemangioma mean?”, “What is vein mole?” questions can be answered in this way.
What are the Symptoms of Hemangioma?
Since hemangiomas are lesions that are usually present at birth, it is not possible to give signs and symptoms beforehand. However, some symptoms can be mentioned for hemangioma lesions that appear a few weeks after birth. The presence of pale color changes on the skin in the first weeks after birth brings to mind the risk of hemangioma. Capillary varicose veins, called telangiectasis, are structures that usually turn into hemangioma lesion in the future. Therefore, the presence of capillary varicose veins in the skin tissue of the baby in the weeks after birth should be considered as a sign of hemangioma and should be followed closely. Another finding considered as a sign of hemangioma is the presence of hypopigmentation. The baby's skin contains cells devoid of the color pigment called melanin, and white spots occur in the areas where these cells are located. This condition, which is called hypopigmentation in medicine, is among the symptoms of hemangioma. All these are skin findings that are considered as precursor lesions of hemangioma. However, observing them may not be as easy as it seems. Hemangioma lesions are usually recognized as soon as they appear. Vascular nevus symptoms can be seen as follows according to their types:
- Superficial hemangiomas are lesions with bright red color and sharp borders. It can be seen as completely flat and imperceptible plaques, or it can appear as nodules that form bubbles on the skin surface. The color of these hemangiomas partially fades when pressed on.
- In the presence of deep hemangioma, mostly normal skin colored or slightly purple-blue colored lesions are seen. The borders of these lesions are not clearly defined. It is possible to see the vessels feeding this hemangioma on the surface. These types of hemangiomas usually show signs such as darkening of color and increase in diameter when the baby cries. The rapid growth phase usually lasts for 6-10 months, and at the end of this phase, the lesion reaches a tight, raised, bright red appearance. cho It is observed that the hemangioma reaches the largest diameter, mostly in 1-year-old infants. At one year of age, the stationary phase begins. At this stage, no change is observed in the hemangioma lesion. After the stagnant phase, which lasts for about a year, the regression phase begins and the first finding that occurs in this phase is the loss of the bright red color of the hemangioma. In the regression phase, the lesion is purple in color and has a more opaque appearance. This discoloration starts from the center of the lesion and spreads towards the periphery. At this stage, the lesion also loses its firmness and becomes softer. This period, which is called the regression phase, is a long-term process that lasts for 5-7 years.
Hemangioma Treatment
Hemangiomas are lesions that usually have a benign course and tend to regress spontaneously. Therefore, it often does not require treatment. However, in some cases, early intervention may be required. The lesions enlarge faster than expected and deform the face, eye involvement, localization of the lesions in the pharynx or larynx tissue, presence of lesions in the genital or anal tissue, lesions progressing with bleeding, and hemangiomas causing heart failure can be listed as examples of cases requiring early intervention.
Although many methods such as surgical interventions, compression dressings, laser and radiation applications, embolization and corticosteroids were preferred for the treatment of hemangioma in the past, oral propranolol is the first treatment option today. It has been discovered that this drug, which has been used in the treatment of hypertension for many years, provides regression of hemangioma lesions thanks to its effect of lowering blood pressure and widening blood vessels. As a result of the studies, propranolol was accepted as the most effective method for the treatment of hemangioma. The absence of any permanent side effects is one of the main reasons for choosing this method. Although side effects such as low blood pressure or decrease in heart rate are observed at the beginning of the treatment, these tend to regress over time and can be easily controlled. However, in some cases, even if the lesions regress, they do not completely disappear and a slight red appearance remains in the area. This image is especially cosmetic in childhood. It is considered as a defect and may adversely affect the psychosocial development of the child. In such cases, some dermocosmetic applications can be made by the physician for the patient. Since hemangioma lesions are extremely sensitive lesions, the applications should be planned by specialist physicians and care should be taken to apply them in a sterile hospital environment.What Causes Hemangioma?
has not been determined, but it is possible to talk about some conditions that increase the risk of hemangioma in the baby. When the cases of hemangioma present at birth were examined, it was observed that there was a relationship between advanced maternal age and the risk of hemangioma. However, it can be said that some conditions such as multiple pregnancy status such as twins or triplets and the development of placenta-related complications during pregnancy cause hemangioma lesions in the baby. In addition to all these, it is possible to say that hemangioma has a genetic effect as a result of studies. If a family member has hemangioma, it is seen that the risk of hemangioma in the baby increases by 34%. Therefore, it is important that babies with a family history of hemangioma are closely monitored after birth and evaluated with a detailed examination. The often wondered “Why does the vein cause me?” The question can be answered in this way. We wish you healthy days.
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