Is a hemangioma initially a red spot?

Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Hemangiomas indeed start as a red dot, and as the condition worsens or the hemangioma grows, some may gradually form patch-like appearances or well-demarcated lumps that rise above the skin. A primary characteristic is that the color of the hemangioma disappears when pressed, and the skin color lightens. When the external pressure is reduced or released, the hemangioma refills with blood and turns dark red or purple-red. This characteristic is very important for the diagnosis of hemangiomas. Therefore, patients with hemangiomas must seek early and timely consultation, examination, and treatment in dermatology (cosmetic science) or surgery.

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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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How are hemangiomas formed?

The etiology of hemangioma is unknown. Studies have shown that the use of progesterone during pregnancy, undergoing chorionic villus sampling, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, and low birth weight at the time of birth may be related to the formation of hemangiomas. It is believed that hemangiomas are a result of minor misconfigurations in the control gene segments during the embryonic development process, particularly during the early stages of vascular tissue differentiation. This leads to abnormal tissue differentiation at specific sites, eventually developing into hemangiomas. During the early months of embryonic development, from eight to twelve months, mechanical damage to embryonic tissue and local bleeding can cause some hematopoietic stem cells to be distributed among other embryonic cells, some of which differentiate into vessel-like tissues and ultimately form hemangiomas.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What should I do if there is a hemangioma on my tongue?

Hemangioma is a benign tumor that occurs in blood vessels, and the specific etiology and pathogenesis are not clear clinically. The tongue is a common site for hemangiomas. For hemangiomas on the tongue, it is necessary to comprehensively assess based on the type of hemangioma, location, depth of tissue invasion, the proximity to surrounding tissues, and the patient’s own physical condition, among other factors, to determine the most beneficial treatment method. Currently, the clinical treatments for hemangiomas include surgical treatment, radiation therapy, local sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or pharmacotherapy. Currently, there is no single clinical method that can completely treat all types of hemangiomas. For hemangiomas on the tongue that do not affect the overall function of the tongue, conservative treatment can be considered. For hemangiomas that have caused tongue ulcers, medication can be given to protect the mucous membrane of the tongue and promote faster healing of the ulcers.

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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.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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Will hemangiomas in children regress?

Hemangiomas in children may regress, but the likelihood is relatively low. Hemangiomas are a congenital vascular malformation and usually do not have a severe impact on the child's health. However, if the hemangioma is located in more visible areas such as the head, face, neck, or arms, it can affect the child's appearance. Moreover, if the hemangioma grows large, it may also rupture, posing a risk to health. It is recommended to observe the hemangioma if there are no related symptoms initially. If the child is around five or six years old and the hemangioma has not regressed, consider consulting a reputable hospital for surgical treatment.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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What should I do if a child has a hemangioma on their foot?

The child has a hemangioma on their foot, and parents can temporarily observe it as some hemangiomas may heal on their own, so there is no need to rush into treatment. Moreover, a hemangioma on the foot usually does not affect the child's health, as it is neither itchy nor painful, and it does not affect the appearance either. If the hemangioma grows very rapidly, and it has not receded by the time the child is five years old, consider using injections of sclerosing agents or surgical treatment options to remove the hemangioma. If the hemangioma is small and not growing rapidly, parents may not need to undertake any special treatment, as a hemangioma on the foot does not affect the body nor does it impact appearance.