How to determine if a hemangioma is regressing

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on February 06, 2025
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Clinically, hemangiomas are a type of benign tumor that mostly require medication, surgery, or local treatments to regress. In rare cases, hemangiomas can regress spontaneously, especially when they are small and the underlying cause of the hemangioma has been removed. Then, the color of the hemangioma may change from its original dark red to a bright red, and gradually change to a color similar to that of normal skin, indicating that the hemangioma has regressed. Clinically, depending on the impact of the hemangioma on the patient, treatment options can include medication, local microwave therapy, laser treatments, or surgical removal.

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The difference between granuloma and hemangioma

Granulomas and hemangiomas are both relatively common in clinical settings, yet they have fundamental differences. A granuloma often refers to the proliferation of macrophages and their derivative cells following inflammation in tissues or organs, forming a nodule known as a granuloma, which is actually caused by the inflammation. Hemangiomas, on the other hand, are usually tumors that form from the proliferation of blood vessel-forming cells during embryonic development, and they have no significant relationship with inflammation. Hemangiomas are also a type of benign tumor, which is the main difference between the two.

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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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What should I do if my child has a hemangioma?

Infantile hemangiomas are caused by congenital genetic defects leading to abnormal development of capillaries. Currently, there are no very effective treatments available, and the method of treatment can be chosen based on the size and severity of the hemangioma. If the hemangioma is relatively small and does not affect the child's body, it can be temporarily observed, as some children's hemangiomas may gradually heal on their own. If the hemangioma is larger, or has caused some related clinical symptoms, or has affected the child's appearance, it is advisable to consider going to a regular hospital for surgical removal. Postoperative prognosis for the child is generally good, and ideal treatment results can be achieved.

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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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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.