Understand Hemangioma Symptoms and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Neha Mukhi , Pediatricians

Hemangioma is a common benign tumor formed by an abnormal growth of blood vessels. It can develop on the skin or inside organs such as the liver and is often present at birth or appears during infancy. While many hemangiomas resolve without treatment, some may cause pain, bleeding, vision problems, or other complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

What Are the Types of Hemangioma?

Hemangiomas are classified based on their appearance, depth, and location.

What Are the Symptoms of Hemangioma?

The signs of a hemangioma depend on where it appears, its size and whether it affects only the skin or deeper tissues. Most hemangiomas are noticeable in infancy and grow quickly during the first year of life before stabilising or shrinking. Here are some common symptoms:

• Visible Skin Marks: Red, purple or bluish patches that may be flat at first and later become raised. These are called as strawberry marks.
• Quick Growth Phase: Many hemangiomas enlarge quickly during the first few months of life, sometimes doubling in size.
• Swelling or Raised Surface: The skin over the affected area may appear stretched or swollen.
• Pain or Tenderness: Deeper hemangiomas can sometimes cause discomfort if they press on nearby tissues.
• Skin Breakdown: In rare cases, the overlying skin may ulcerate, which causes pain and increases the risk of infection.
• Internal Symptoms: When hemangiomas grow inside the body like in the liver or airway, they may lead to organ-related problems like abdominal swelling, breathing difficulties or feeding issues.

What Are the Causes of Hemangioma?

The exact cause of hemangiomas is still not completely known but researchers believe a combination of biological and genetic factors is responsible for the condition.

• Abnormal Blood Vessel Growth: Hemangiomas form when tiny blood vessels grow and multiply more than they should and create a cluster that develops into a lump.
• Genetic Influence: A family history of vascular anomalies may increase the likelihood of a child developing hemangiomas, although most cases occur randomly.
• Prematurity and Low Birth Weight: Babies born early or with low birth weight have a higher risk of developing hemangiomas.
• Gender Factor: Hemangiomas are more common in females than in males, suggesting that hormones may be responsible.
• Hormonal and Environmental Factors: Some hormones or changes in the womb during pregnancy may influence the abnormal development of blood vessels.

When to See a Doctor for Hemangioma?

Consult a dermatologist or pediatricians if a hemangioma grows rapidly, bleeds, becomes painful, develops an ulcer, or interferes with vision, breathing, hearing, or feeding. Early treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Get medical help immediately if:

These could indicate serious complications requiring urgent medical care.

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How Is Hemangioma Diagnosed?

Most hemangiomas can be identified by their appearance on the skin during a routine physical examination. Doctors can recognise them easily because of their distinct color and growth pattern. Here are some effective diagnostic methods for hemangioma:

• Physical Examination: The first step is a visual and physical check by the doctor to determine the type, size and location of the hemangioma.
• Ultrasound: A safe and painless imaging test that uses sound waves to evaluate the depth of the hemangioma, its size and the flow of blood within it.
• MRI or CT scan: These advanced imaging techniques are recommended if doctors suspect deeper hemangiomas affecting internal organs such as the liver, kidneys or brain. They provide detailed images to guide treatment.
• Hemangioma radiology: Specialised imaging studies help doctors map the exact structure of the blood vessels inside the lesion, which is important for planning treatment in complex cases.

What Are the Effective Treatment for Hemangioma?

It is important to know that not every hemangioma requires treatment. In fact, many infantile hemangiomas shrink naturally over time without causing any long-term problems. But in some cases, medical treatment is required to avoid future complications and effective treatments are:

Observation

Small and uncomplicated hemangiomas are closely monitored with regular check-ups. Parents are reassured and advised to watch for any sudden changes.

Hemangioma Medicines

• Beta-blockers or Propranolol are considered the most effective treatment for shrinking infantile hemangiomas. They reduce blood flow to the lesion to soften and shrink it.
• Corticosteroids may be prescribed in cases where beta-blockers cannot be used. They slow down the growth of blood vessels.

Laser therapy

A non-invasive option that uses focused light to reduce redness, shrink superficial lesions and heal ulcerated areas.

Hemangioma Surgery

Performed in rare cases when the hemangioma is very large and causes severe complications or does not respond to other treatments. Surgery may also be considered for cosmetic reasons after the lesion has stopped growing.

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What Is the Recovery Process for Hemangioma?

Most infantile hemangiomas gradually shrink and fade over several years. Recovery depends on the size, location, and treatment received, with regular follow-up helping monitor healing and identify any complications.