What should be done about infantile hemangiomas?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on September 20, 2024
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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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What should be noted about hemangiomas of the liver?

For patients with hepatic hemangioma, the precautions mainly include the following points: First, the severity of hepatic hemangioma is primarily related to its size. Therefore, patients with small hemangiomas usually do not show obvious symptoms and do not require special treatment. It is sufficient to regularly re-examine them with color ultrasound to dynamically observe changes in size. However, for patients with large hepatic hemangiomas, which often cause rupture and bleeding, attention should be paid. Interventional surgery can be used to achieve embolization, thus achieving the purpose of treatment. Second, patients with hepatic hemangioma should also avoid spicy and irritating foods, as well as foods that are difficult to digest, in order to lessen the burden on the liver and help control the progression of the disease.

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Are hemangiomas dangerous?

The hazards of hemangiomas include: First, they impact appearance. Most hemangiomas are located on the head and face, severely affecting one's appearance and causing great physical and emotional harm to both the patient and their family. Second, they affect function by invading surrounding tissues and impairing the normal functions of nearby organs. Third, the tumor can bleed, and severe bleeding may lead to hemorrhagic shock. Fourth, abnormal development, as the tumor compresses surrounding normal tissues, can lead to developmental disorders, affecting bone growth and causing severe deformities in limbs. Fifth, ulceration can occur when the hemangioma grows too quickly or due to friction, leading to ulcers and infections, and potentially malignant changes. Therefore, hemangiomas can be quite dangerous.

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The difference between lipomas and hemangiomas

Lipomas and hemangiomas are not the same disease and are not directly related. Lipomas generally occur in superficial parts of the body, sometimes in the muscle layer. Lipomas typically have a complete capsule and exhibit a lobulated shape. They are usually soft, and patients do not exhibit obvious local symptoms. On the other hand, hemangiomas often occur in solid organs, including liver hemangiomas, spleen hemangiomas, and kidney hemangiomas. Hemangiomas can also appear in superficial areas, such as the skin where they can form strawberry-like lesions, causing discomfort due to their appearance. However, most hemangiomas do not tend to enlarge and are benign, requiring no special treatment.

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Do hemangiomas in children pulsate?

Children's hemangiomas do not exhibit pulsation. Hemangiomas are benign tumors and can be categorized into true hemangiomas and vascular malformations. However, regardless of the type, hemangiomas generally do not show any obvious symptoms, neither pain nor itchiness. Those that grow on the surface of the skin are easily noticeable due to their obvious location. However, hemangiomas that develop in internal organs usually cannot be detected by oneself; they are typically found during physical examinations. Hemangiomas on the skin surface almost have no impact on children, but those growing in internal organs can be more dangerous if they grow large and rupture, possibly even threatening life. Therefore, if an internal organ hemangioma is discovered, it is crucial to treat it promptly.

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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.