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 Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Which department should a baby with hemangioma see?

The department for treating infantile hemangioma should be determined based on the location, size, and severity of the hemangioma. If the hemangioma is located on the surface of the body, it is generally appropriate to consult the department of plastic and cosmetic surgery. If the hemangioma is on the face, the oral medicine department should be visited. If the hemangioma is around the eyes, then the ophthalmology department should be consulted. If the hemangioma is internal or if there are other concurrent tumorous diseases, it may be necessary to visit the pediatric hematology-oncology department or the corresponding surgical department. This would be the most appropriate and correct choice.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Why do children develop hemangiomas?

Pediatric hemangiomas are strictly considered a benign condition within vascular malformations. There are various causes, often due to arteriovenous malformations in children during prenatal development, especially due to abnormal proliferation of blood vessel cells during embryonic development, resulting in hemangiomas after birth. As the child ages, the hemangioma tends to grow larger. Additionally, some hemangiomas are caused by trauma in children. During this period, children's skin and mucous membranes are relatively delicate, leading to hemangiomas due to local stimulation of the capillaries by injuries. Therefore, it is best to classify hemangiomas through examination at a reputable hospital. If the hemangioma is located in a particularly sensitive area, early intervention and treatment are necessary.

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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 Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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Causes and Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas

Infantile hemangiomas are usually caused by congenital factors, and the pathogenesis and specific causes of hemangiomas are not very clear at the moment. Since there is a certain possibility that infantile hemangiomas can heal on their own, if the hemangioma's location is not very noticeable and not particularly significant, it is advisable to initially observe it. If the hemangioma has not healed on its own by the time the child turns five, consideration can be given to treat it with sclerosing injections or through surgery. If the hemangioma is located in an internal organ and does not severely affect the child's health under normal circumstances, it could still be quite dangerous if it bursts. Therefore, parents should give it enough attention.