Can hemangiomas resolve on their own?

Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Infantile hemangiomas may regress spontaneously in some cases, so for lesions that are relatively stable in growth, temporary observation without treatment is recommended, especially avoiding surgical treatment. Radiation therapy, which may cause secondary developmental deformities, is not recommended. Medicinal treatment mainly involves the use of steroids and interferons. Steroid therapy is the most common drug treatment for hemangiomas, with the first reports of using steroids for hemangiomas appearing in the mid to late 1960s. Since then, prednisone and prednisolone have been considered first-line drugs for treating life-threatening or vision-threatening hemangiomas. The effective rate of steroid treatment for hemangiomas varies from 30% to 90%. Therefore, we suggest that since infantile hemangiomas can regress on their own, lesions that are stable in growth can be temporarily observed.

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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 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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What should be done about infantile hemangiomas?

If an infant has a hemangioma, it is first necessary to assess the location and size of the hemangioma. Currently, the main treatments for hemangioma include: Firstly, oral medications such as Xin De An, which is commonly used for cardiovascular issues, can gradually reduce the size of the hemangioma. Although it is an oral medication, it is essential to conduct electrocardiograph and echocardiogram examinations before taking the medication, and the treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a hospital doctor, followed by regular observation. Secondly, topical application of certain eye drops may gradually reduce smaller hemangiomas. Thirdly, surgical treatment is used for particularly large hemangiomas to completely eliminate them. Another method is to treat older children with laser or plasma therapy; this is generally performed when the child is older, and the local treatment is quite effective.

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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 Zhang Cui Xiang
Pediatrics
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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.