Hemangiomas, which are frequently observed in society and are commonly referred to as "vascular mole", are a type of harmless vascular tumor. It may also be called rose stain among the public. Its name in the literature is "hemangioma". These structures, which are from the benign tumor group, are formed as a result of the vessels coming together and growing. Although the cause of its formation is not fully explained, as it is a type of vascular proliferation, it is thought to be affected by genetic factors.
It is seen especially in babies in the few months after birth and may show rapid growth. Since it grows rapidly in the first few months, it would be better to consult a specialist before worrying. These structures, which appear as redness on the head after birth, can be confused with birthmarks. However, unlike a birthmark, in cases of hemangioma, there is a growth process and regression occurs in a few months after birth. Since there are significant differences between the two conditions, it is recommended that parents consciously consult a physician.
What is Hemangioma?
Hemangioma usually occurs in children in the first 3-4 months after birth and then grows. Although these tumors are called benign vascular tumors, they are not directly related to tumors. Since the reason for the formation of these structures is not fully understood, they are called benign tumors due to the proliferation of the endothelial structure in the vessels, that is, their sudden growth. In the first week after birth, redness begins to become evident in the area where the hemangioma developed in the child. Then, in common redness-type hemangiomas, swelling and prominence begin in the area. At this stage, the color appears as red-purple. Within 3 months, the vascular mass may become more visible and grow significantly. Hemangiomas, which are common types, generally do not pose a danger and are seen as a dermatological defect. For this reason, hemangioma, which is still in the growth phase, should be observed and followed by the child's caregiver. After 3 months, skin redness and locally formed hemangioma usually begin to regress. This regression may continue in the child until the age of 9. However, those that do not pass by this age are usually permanent and It may require attention.
In addition to hemangiomas, which are harmless and commonly seen in the society, rare types that develop as swelling and spreading can also be observed. The development phase in these types is similar to hemangiomas, which resemble rose spots, but they become localized faster and more widely. For example, a rash noticed on the child's nose after birth may turn into a noticeable and larger red nodule in the 3rd month. A hemangioma of this size, which is common, will most likely regress and there will be no need for treatment. In the type that is not common and requires possible treatment, the small redness in the nose may cover the entire nose, progress to other parts of the face, and there may be a possibility of damage to the nasal cartilage. Although this type of rash may begin to recede in the following months, it would be better to act under the supervision of a specialist physician.
What Does Hemangioma Mean?
Postnatal rashes, which are frequently seen in children. It may lead parents to ask the question “What does hemangioma mean?”. Because this defect, which develops as vascular enlargement as well as genetic skin differences such as birthmarks, is observed more frequently in girls and premature babies. There are various names for hemangioma due to its high incidence among the public. Frequently used names include "stork bite" for those seen on the nape of the neck, "angel's kiss" for those seen on the neck, and "rose spot" for those located in various places on the head.
Hemangioma, a term of Greek origin, is called a blood vessel tumor. These benign tumors, which are not dangerous tumors, do not usually require examination by the oncology unit. If it still spreads after the age of 1, if it invades other areas of the skin or other organs, if it progresses with inflammation, and if bleeding occurs even with minor contact, it may be a condition that requires intervention and should be checked in the pediatric oncology unit. However, for hemangiomas that are common and cause no harm other than standing out as a skin defect, observation and examination in a specialist cardiovascular surgery unit is sufficient.
How to Treat Hemangioma?
In Babies From birth until the first 1-1.5 years of age Hemangiomas that are observed to grow generally tend to regress at the end of this period. Hemangiomas, especially those occurring on the face, show regression. Hemangiomas reach various sizes depending on the type of formation, location and the age of the baby. They can be 1 cm in size or exceed 10 cm in size. Hemangiomas, which develop as red bumps on the skin, are largely harmless. If the rash that appears a few days after birth grows like this and starts to take on a distinct color, it should be monitored. The types of hemangiomas that will most likely regress during this process can be identified depending on the location of the hemangiomas, which are dangerous and require intervention. Vascular tumors around the nostrils may make breathing difficult, those near the ear canal may prevent hearing, those located in the larynx may damage the vocal cords, hemangiomas in the mouth area will prevent nutrition, and those in the anus and urethra area may be dangerous and require early intervention because they may prevent urine and feces outflow. In addition, hemangiomas in the anus and urethra can cause inflammation, which can cause a painful process for the child. The areas around the eyes can cause permanent vision difficulties in the eyes of children who are still trying to develop and coordinate. Even if the closed eye is opened with the treatment of the enlarged hemangioma in the future, it cannot coordinate with the healthy eye in terms of 3D vision. Vascular tumors arising in such specific areas may require intervention in the early months. In such a case, treatment is provided by pediatric oncologists and physicians specialized in cardiovascular surgery. However, follow-up is recommended for hemangiomas, which commonly occur in the form of redness and manifest themselves as a slight swelling on the skin, and after a while they will lighten and shrink, no longer being an aesthetic defect.
How is Hemangioma Treated?
How is Hemangioma Treated?
It is not correct to say that no treatment is required for any type of hemangioma and it can go away on its own. Common types progress after birth and change over time as color fades, fluffiness decreases, and size decreases. However, in uncommon types, treatment is inevitable and intervention is necessary, especially before it damages the sensory organs. it needs. Vascular mass may also be observed in the liver, kidney and brain. This situation should be under the supervision of a specialist doctor and monitored regularly. Hemangiomas in internal organs may require surgical intervention. There are treatment methods other than surgery in different clinical types that are predicted to be treated.
Laser, Radiofrequency, IRC
In cases where drug treatment will not work or more technological applications will be preferred, laser, radio waves or Thanks to the rays sent to the area with the IRC method, the vascular tumor is exposed to high heat energy and non-surgical treatment is performed. Depending on the patient's condition, several sessions may be recommended.
Foam Scletotherapy
This method is generally used in hemangiomas that are not very obvious but cause cosmetic defects. This method is most commonly used in cases of varicose veins. Sclerosing material is injected into the varicose area intravenously. This medicine, which is foamed and applied to the veins in cases of superficial capillary problems, takes its name due to its application method. After the application, patients are advised to avoid exposure to the sun and to be careful about the treatment area. Since this procedure is a direct vascular treatment, it must be performed under the supervision and guidance of a specialist cardiovascular surgeon.
Surgical Method
It is the process of removing the tumorous area from the body by making an incision. If it causes irritation, inflammation and pain in the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, larynx, anal and genital areas, surgery may sometimes be the best solution. However, around the age of 2-3, the incision area may create an aesthetic problem as the child perceives and remembers the facial image. Therefore, intervention at an early age by cardiovascular surgeons who are experts in their field will be a better treatment for the child in preschool age. Surgical intervention for tumors around the face must be decided carefully.
Hemangioma treatment is performed with methods such as Sclerotherapy and Radiofrequency.
What are the Types of Hemangioma?
Vascular tumors are generally diagnosed in oncology science. The reason why they are not included in the scope and follow-up of this branch is that they do not have vascular structures that show cancer. Because cancerous cells multiply uncontrollably and metastasize to other structures and organs. However, it is benign and causes enlargement of the inner layers of the vessels. An hemangiomas have a different structure than cancerous cells. For this reason, treatment and control in the cardiovascular surgery department will be more appropriate.
Hemangioma types vary depending on their location. Depending on their location, they may have various treatment and monitoring procedures. Because the types that spread generally on the skin and the types that develop spontaneously on the face may not be of the same size, developmental stage, or aesthetic problem. In addition to hemangiomas seen on the face, orbital area, skin and internal organs, rare cases called Townch Merritt Syndrome can also be seen.
Hemangiomas on the Facial
Hemangiomas observed on the face, especially in the nasal and oral cavity, in this area. species require monitoring. The types that appear a few millimeters in size and grow gradually are generally harmless and tend to shrink after 1 year of age. However, early intervention is required in cases that block the nasal and oral cavities and cause feeding and breathing difficulties in the child.
Orbital Peripheral Hemangiomas
Hemangiomas that start around the eyeball should be followed up in the following months due to the possibility of growth and obstruction of vision. . Those that start around the eyelids and eyes may gradually turn darker and become puffy. Early treatment in these children is the ideal solution to save the eye without loss of vision in the eye with the hemangioma. It is recommended that parents be controlled and consult specialist physicians.
Skin Hemangiomas
As it is the most common type of hemangioma, it is referred to by various names among the public. Rose stain, angel kiss, stork bite, wine stain are among the frequently heard folk expressions. Hemangiomas, so named, are a few millimeters in size on the skin surface and can shrink without any cosmetic problems. If parents see this type of redness, they should monitor the hemangioma area for a while before consulting a physician.
Lumbosacral Hemangiomas
This type of hemangioma, which is seen in the lumbar region of children, is large enough to cause permanent damage to the medulla spinalis and neuronal transmission. can progress. It is known that tumors of this type are generally seen together with other spinal abnormalities.
Hemangioma Treatment in Babies
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