Is a hemangioma a tumor?

Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Hemangiomas are formed by the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells during embryonic development and are commonly seen in congenital benign tumors or vascular malformations of the skin and soft tissues, mostly observed at birth or shortly after birth. The residual embryonic vascular endothelial cells, active endothelial-like embryonic buds invade adjacent tissues, forming endothelial-like cords, which after canalization connect with existing blood vessels to form hemangiomas. The blood vessels within the tumor form a separate system, not connected to surrounding blood vessels. Hemangiomas can occur throughout the body; those occurring in the oral and maxillofacial regions account for 60% of all hemangiomas, followed by 25% in the trunk and 15% in the limbs. Therefore, some hemangiomas are congenital benign tumors, while others are caused by vascular malformations.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is a hemangioma in the nose dangerous?

Nasal hemangiomas are primarily caused by congenital or acquired vascular malformations. The risks associated with them include the following points: First, the vessel walls of hemangiomas are imperfect and prone to bleeding. Excessive bleeding can lead to hemorrhagic shock. Furthermore, significant bleeding can cause blood to flow back into the respiratory tract, leading to coughing fits and even the risk of suffocation. Second, although hemangiomas are benign in nature, a few of them possess the biological characteristic of expansive growth. This characteristic can damage surrounding tissues, such as destroying the wall of the vessel and the structure of the tumor, thereby exhibiting malignant-like biological behavior. Therefore, active treatment is necessary.

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Written by Yan Chun
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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.

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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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Will hemangiomas resolve on their own?

Pediatric hemangiomas are relatively common congenital disorders in pediatric surgery, frequently found on the face, body surface, and limbs. They appear as red or purplish-red protruding lumps with clear boundaries. These lumps do not blanch when pressed, grow in size with the child's growth and development. Clinically, pediatric hemangiomas are categorized into capillary hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, and racemose hemangiomas. Capillary hemangiomas in children often disappear on their own within one to two years, while cavernous and racemose hemangiomas usually require surgical treatment. Thus, it is said that pediatric capillary hemangiomas can regress spontaneously.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Will a hemangioma change color when pressed?

Hemangiomas fade when pressed and quickly redden upon release, suggesting the presence of a hemangioma. Hemangiomas are benign tumors that may grow as the body grows and can be observed over time without immediate treatment. For cosmetic reasons, treatment options include cryotherapy, laser treatment, or injection of a sclerosing agent. For smaller hemangiomas, laser treatment is recommended due to its relatively minimal harm to the body.

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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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Can hemangiomas go untreated?

The severity of harm varies with different types of hemangiomas, such as in adults with mixed-type hemangiomas. These can continually develop as the patient ages. If the affected areas expand further, they may extend to tissues and organs like the eyes, nose, lips, or ears. These organs might then become covered by the expanding vascular tissue, potentially causing impairments in functions such as breathing, eating, vision, and hearing. If hemangiomas appear on the limbs, they can also lead to dysfunction, affecting mobility. Therefore, it is advisable to seek treatment for hemangiomas as early as possible.