Where to Begin
What is a hemangioma?
A benign tumor of dilated blood vessels. It is also the most common tumor of infancy.
What is the occurrence rate in infants?
In Caucasian children, hemangiomas are seen in 1-2.5% of newborns and it increases to 10-12% by one year of age. In Black newborns the incidence is approximately 1.4%. Females are affected at a ratio of 3:1 to males.
What is the "life cycle" of a hemangioma?
Generally, hemangiomas grow from birth to 6-20 months. The involutional (or shrinking) phase usually begins at 6 to 18 months. The involutional phase can last up to 5 years. These stages are not necessarily well defined and both proliferation and involution can occur simultaneously in a single hemangioma.
Once the lesion shows itself, it increases rapidly for the first 4-8 months, slows between 6-12 months, and begins to involute within 18 months.
When does a hemangioma require surgery?
All hemangiomas are different--different sizes, different areas of the body--therefore, different involutional results occur. Generally, it is best to wait until the completion of the involutional phase and then evaluate the need for surgery. The final appearance can either be normal skin or excessive wrinkles requiring excision. Another consideration for the timing of surgery is performing the excision prior to the child's beginning school to hopefully minimize any teasing from other students.
Is there any support for the children or families?
Children's Medical Center of Dallas offers various areas of support to children and their families. A Child Life specialist is available to assist the patient, siblings, and parents in addressing the psychosocial concerns that accompany medical care. They facilitate coping and the adjustment of children and families by providing play experiences and to encourage family involvement.
A social worker is also available if families have questions regarding the family's ability to optimally meet the child's special health care needs.
