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Hemangioma
Do hemangiomas exist from birth?
The specific pathogenesis and causes of hemangiomas are not very clear. Their formation is usually related to multiple factors, and some children have congenital hemangiomas. For example, cases of congenital vascular malformations usually appear right after birth, but there are also some hemangiomas that form later in life, and even some adults may develop hemangiomas, so it is not necessarily congenital. If the hemangioma occurs in a part of the skin that is not particularly noticeable, it can be observed for the time being, as it does not cause serious harm to health. However, if the hemangioma is located in a more critical area, such as inside an organ, or if it develops very rapidly, it should be given adequate attention and examined and treated in a timely manner.
Can a hemangioma be seen on a CT scan?
Hemangiomas, especially typical or larger ones, can generally be identified or diagnosed through a CT scan. However, for smaller hemangiomas, a plain CT scan usually cannot conclusively diagnose the condition. For a definitive diagnosis of a hemangioma, an enhanced CT scan can be conducted. This type of CT scan can typically diagnose the disease and also help differentiate hemangiomas from other types of tumors. Therefore, for patients with hemangiomas, if they wish to use CT for diagnosis and examination, it should be combined with some color Doppler ultrasound and, if necessary, some MRI or enhanced CT scans for further diagnosis.
Is hemangioma in children easy to treat?
The treatment of hemangiomas is relatively simple, involving surgical removal, with generally good prognosis. Hemangiomas in children can be categorized into two types: true hemangiomas and vascular malformations. True hemangiomas include a rapid growth phase, a rest phase, and an involution phase. Therefore, if a child has a true hemangioma, it is possible that it will regress naturally, and parents do not need to be overly anxious about treatment. The second type is vascular malformations, which do not have a clear proliferative phase, resting phase, or regression phase, and usually exist from birth. If not treated, it is very likely to persist throughout life; however, it can be treated with surgery and the use of sclerosing agents among other methods.
Will liver hemangiomas cause spots on the face?
Patients with hepatic hemangiomas generally do not experience issues with scarring. For patients with hepatic hemangiomas, liver function abnormalities typically do not occur, so there won’t be any formation of spots. If spots do appear, they are mainly due to other causes. When the hepatic hemangioma is small in size, patients generally do not exhibit noticeable symptoms and special treatment is not necessary at this stage; periodic follow-up with ultrasonography to monitor any changes in size is sufficient. However, for patients with large hepatic hemangiomas, there may be pain in the liver area, potential rupture and bleeding, and even the possibility of hemorrhagic shock; therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant and pursue surgical removal early to better improve the prognosis of the patients.
What should I do about the hemangioma on the baby's face?
If the hemangioma on the baby's face affects the baby's facial appearance, or if it is located in some special areas, such as above the trigeminal nerve, then it is necessary to intervene and treat as early as possible. Hemangiomas are vascular malformations in the body and often have no impact on the body; they mainly affect appearance. However, if the location of the growth has certain specificities, it can affect future life or induce some diseases. In such cases, it is necessary for a specialist doctor to make a differential diagnosis and then select a surgical method for targeted treatment.
Can people with hemangioma drink alcohol?
Hemangiomas are benign tumors of the blood vessels. It is advisable for patients with hemangiomas to abstain from alcohol, as drinking is a harmful stimulus. Prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to hardening of the vessels, which may easily cause rupture and bleeding of the hemangiomas, leading to adverse consequences. Therefore, once hemangiomas are detected, it is recommended to reduce or avoid alcohol consumption. Although hemangiomas are generally benign tumors and often do not cause significant damage to the body, some hemangiomas, due to their specific growth location and size, can sometimes lead to rupture and bleeding or affect bodily functions, thereby significantly impacting the quality of life. Such cases may require active surgical treatment, administration of sclerosing agents, or certain medications and physical therapies.
How to determine if a hemangioma is regressing
Clinically, hemangiomas are a type of benign tumor that mostly require medication, surgery, or local treatments to regress. In rare cases, hemangiomas can regress spontaneously, especially when they are small and the underlying cause of the hemangioma has been removed. Then, the color of the hemangioma may change from its original dark red to a bright red, and gradually change to a color similar to that of normal skin, indicating that the hemangioma has regressed. Clinically, depending on the impact of the hemangioma on the patient, treatment options can include medication, local microwave therapy, laser treatments, or surgical removal.
What should I do if my child has a hemangioma?
Infantile hemangiomas are caused by congenital genetic defects leading to abnormal development of capillaries. Currently, there are no very effective treatments available, and the method of treatment can be chosen based on the size and severity of the hemangioma. If the hemangioma is relatively small and does not affect the child's body, it can be temporarily observed, as some children's hemangiomas may gradually heal on their own. If the hemangioma is larger, or has caused some related clinical symptoms, or has affected the child's appearance, it is advisable to consider going to a regular hospital for surgical removal. Postoperative prognosis for the child is generally good, and ideal treatment results can be achieved.
Best treatment time for infantile hemangioma
The optimal time to treat hemangiomas in infants is generally around the age of one year, as the vascular circulation becomes visible as bright red birthmarks on the baby's body. These types of hemangiomas are cutaneous and can be effectively cured through laser treatment in early childhood. The earlier the treatment is applied, the better the outcome; the effectiveness diminishes over time. If the hemangioma does not affect the infant's appearance and is relatively small, treatment can be postponed. It is advisable to choose the timing of treatment based on the specific circumstances of the infant. If the hemangioma is large, it is recommended to seek timely laser surgery treatment at a reputable tertiary hospital.
Is it normal for a child to have hemangioma?
It is not normal for children to have hemangiomas. Hemangiomas are usually caused by congenital vascular malformations and may also be caused by hereditary factors resulting in true hemangiomas. However, regardless of the case, they are considered abnormal. Hemangiomas can be divided into two types: true hemangiomas and vascular malformations. True hemangiomas have a certain possibility of self-healing, so parents can temporarily observe. If the child does not heal by themselves after the age of five, timely treatment should be administered. Once a vascular malformation occurs, if it is not treated, it may persist throughout life. If it grows in some inconspicuous places on the skin surface, treatment may not be necessary. However, hemangiomas in the internal organs should receive enough attention and be treated as soon as possible.