Haemangioma In Children - An Overview!

There are two major types of Haemangioma: Congenital and Infantile. Congenital Haemangioma is present at birth itself and can be rapidly involuting (shrinks rapidly in the first year of life) or non-involuting (does not shrink on its own and requires surgical intervention). Infantile Haemangioma appears soon after birth, grows over the first year of life, and then shrinks on its own over a period of several years.

Haemangioma usually occurs externally on the skin only (generally on face or eyes or genital area). However, it might also affect the internal organs like lungs, liver, and intestines. When it appears on the neck, it might obstruct the windpipe. External Haemangioma is easy to diagnose but its severity needs to be assessed for making decisions for treatment. Internal Haemangioma requires definite medical intervention to avoid future complications associated with the condition.

Haemangioma is usually diagnosed through physical examination only. However, for deep Haemangioma, or those affecting the sensitive parts like eyes, or the internal organs require an ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI scan for diagnosis.

Haemangioma usually disappears on its own but when it does not, it can be treated through laser treatment, medicine, or surgery. The method to be adopted depends upon location, size, and severity or complication of the condition. Laser treatment destroys the blood vessel causing Haemangioma, without damaging the skin cells. Sometimes, laser treatment is used for cosmetic reasons. The medication is helpful in shrinking the Haemangioma. Surgery is performed for removal of deep-seated Haemangioma or to remove scarred or loose skin after the natural disappearance of Haemangioma.