Hemangiomae
What is Hemangiomae?
The term hemangioma is used to refer to a common type of vascular birthmark. The classically recognized hemangioma is a visible red skin lesion that may be superficial, deeper in the skin, or a mixture of both. Hemangiomas are not always present at birth (around 30%), but usually become visible within a few months (70%). They are usually divided into superficial, slightly raised, bright red lesions known as a capillary or 'strawberry' hemangioma or a deeper blueish lesion known as a cavernous hemangioma.
Capillary hemangiomas are usually slightly raised and appear bright red because the abnormal blood vessels are very close to the skin's surface. Cavernous hemangioma appear blue because the abnormal vessels are deeper under the skin. Hemangiomas are more common among females and in premature babies.
Most hemangiomas undergo a rapid growth phase once they first appear during which their volume and size increase rapidly. After the first year most stop growing and enter a rest period during which the hemangioma changes very little. Often they will then begin to turn white and shrink slowly. Many will eventually disappear by themselves although it impossible to know in individual patients if this will occur.
Hemangiomas can develop anywhere on the body, although 83% of them occur on the head and neck. Because of this the most common issue with hemangiomas is that they can be very disfiguring and it is frequently very difficult for most sufferers (and parents if they are children) to cope with the stares and comments that such lesions cause. There can be additional concerns if hemangioma develop near the eyes, nose or mouth because they can cause special problems. Occasionally when a hemangioma is either growing or shrinking rapidly they can form painful ulcers which can become infected.