skin hemangioma

A skin hemangioma, also known as a vascular birthmark, is an abnormal buildup of blood vessels on or under the surface of the skin. It appears as a red-wine or strawberry-colored plaque that may protrude from the surrounding skin.

Types and Characteristics:

• Infantile Hemangioma (Strawberry Hemangioma): A common type of hemangioma in infants, affecting up to 12% of babies by their first year. It looks like a red bulge on the skin that grows to between one-quarter to 2 inches in size.
• Superficial Infantile Hemangiomas: These are bright red and appear on the skin surface. They are sometimes called "strawberry marks."
• Congenital Hemangiomas: Visible at birth, these hemangiomas can occur anywhere on the body.

Symptoms:

• A red or purple lump in the skin
• A raised growth that may be bright red or strawberry-colored
• May appear as a bluish lump with visible blood vessels

Causes and Prevalence:

• About one-third of hemangiomas are present at birth, while the rest appear in the first several months of life.
• Hemangiomas can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly appear on the face, scalp, chest, or back.

Treatment and Prognosis:

• Many hemangiomas go away by age 5, and most disappear by age 10. The skin may be slightly discolored or raised after the hemangioma goes away.
• Laser therapy can improve the appearance of skin after a hemangioma has shrunk if telangiectasias are present.

References:

• [1] A hemangioma is an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs. (Source: #4)
• [2] Infantile hemangiomas look like red bulges on the skin that normally grow to between one-quarter to 2 inches in size. (Source: #1)
• [3] Hemangiomas may occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly appear on the face, scalp, chest or back. (Source: #11)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Skin Hemangiomas

A skin hemangioma, also known as a birthmark, can manifest in various ways, depending on its location and type. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Red or reddish-purple raised growths: These can appear on the surface of the skin, often with visible blood vessels.
• Bright red papules or plaques: Hemangiomas can manifest as bright red patches or bumps on the skin's surface.
• Skin bulge: Deep hemangiomas can cause the skin to bulge, often with a blue or purple tint.
• Blue or purple tint: Some hemangiomas may have a bluish color due to their location and depth in the skin.
• Strawberry-like appearance: Infantile hemangiomas are often referred to as "strawberry marks" due to their characteristic red, raised appearance.

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, skin hemangiomas can cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Pain or discomfort: Large or deep hemangiomas may cause pain or discomfort.
• Bleeding: Hemangiomas that are prone to bleeding may require medical attention.
• Infection: If a hemangioma becomes infected, it may present with signs of infection, such as pus, redness, and pain.

Important Notes

It's essential to note that most skin hemangiomas are benign (non-cancerous) and will resolve on their own. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms or concerns, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

References:

• [2] Capillary hemangiomas appear on the outer layers of your skin.
• [4] A hemangioma is a benign tumor of blood vessels, most commonly seen in children.
• [8] Superficial lesions appear as bright red, raised or flat patches on the skin. They may also have a textured area that looks like a strawberry.
• [12] Most hemangiomas grow larger during the first year of life. Growth is typically fastest in the first 6 months.
• [13] Serious Symptoms: If the hemangioma starts to bleed or if there is formation of an ulcer/sore or if there is an infection, then contact your health care provider immediately.

Diagnostic Tests for Skin Hemangiomas

Skin hemangiomas, also known as birthmarks or vascular abnormalities, can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and various diagnostic tests.

• Clinical Examination: In most cases, a healthcare provider can diagnose a hemangioma by looking at it. The physical appearance of the lesion, its size, shape, location, and any changes over time are key factors in making an accurate diagnosis ([9], [14]).
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be indicated to confirm the diagnosis and extent of deep hemangiomas without superficial changes ([12]). MRI is particularly useful for locating and examining segmental hemangiomas associated with complications and developmental anomalies ([4]).
• Blood Tests: Blood tests or a skin biopsy may be ordered if a growth appears to be abnormal or other symptoms are present ([5], [6]).
• Skin Biopsy: A skin biopsy, which involves taking a sample of the affected tissue, can provide a definitive diagnosis. However, this is usually reserved for cases where the diagnosis is unclear or there are concerns about malignancy ([10], [13]).

Other Diagnostic Tests

• Angiogram: An angiogram may be performed to visualize the blood vessels and confirm the presence of a hemangioma ([8]).
• Patch Testing: Patch testing may be used to rule out other skin conditions that may mimic a hemangioma ([10]).

It's essential to note that most infantile hemangiomas are diagnosed clinically, with imaging studies and biopsies being reserved for cases where the diagnosis is unclear or there are concerns about complications ([12]).

Treatment Options for Skin Hemangiomas

Skin hemangiomas, also known as birthmarks, can be treated using various methods, including drug treatment. According to the search results, here are some key points about drug treatment for skin hemangiomas:

• Topical beta blockers: These medications may help lighten the hemangioma and slow its growth, particularly on small, superficial hemangiomas [4]. Topical antibiotics may also be used in conjunction with beta blockers [4].
• Propranolol: This is a beta blocker that can be taken orally to treat skin hemangiomas. It is often considered the first-line treatment for infantile hemangiomas [12].
• Timolol gel: A gel containing timolol may be applied directly to the affected skin in small hemangiomas [1].

Other Treatment Options

While drug treatment can be effective, other options are also available:

• Laser therapy: This is typically reserved for hemangiomas involving the skin and can help improve appearance [7].
• Surgery: Surgery may be recommended for cavernous hemangiomas or to remove residual skin changes after involution [8][9].

When Treatment May Not Be Necessary

In some cases, treatment may not be necessary:

• Small or uncomplicated hemangiomas: These often go away on their own and the appearance of the skin returns to normal without any intervention [5].
• Infantile hemangiomas: Typically, there is little trace of these marks by age 10, so treatment is usually not needed [14].

References

[1] Context result 1 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9 [12] Context result 12 [14] Context result 14

Differential Diagnosis of Skin Hemangioma

Skin hemangiomas, also known as birthmarks or vascular tumors, can be challenging to diagnose due to their varied appearance and potential for mimicking other conditions. Here are some key points to consider when making a differential diagnosis:

• Congenital hemangioma: This is a rare type of hemangioma that is present at birth and can be difficult to distinguish from infantile hemangiomas.
• Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: A rare, aggressive vascular tumor that can mimic the appearance of a hemangioma but requires prompt medical attention due to its potential for bleeding and other complications.
• Tufted angioma: A type of vascular tumor that can appear as multiple small nodules or plaques on the skin, which may be mistaken for a hemangioma.
• Nevus flammeus: Also known as port-wine stain, this is a congenital vascular malformation that can mimic the appearance of a hemangioma but has distinct histological and clinical features.
• Pyogenic granuloma (lobular capillary hemangioma): A type of benign vascular tumor that can appear as a small, red nodule or plaque on the skin, which may be mistaken for a hemangioma.

Key Features to Consider

When making a differential diagnosis of skin hemangioma, it is essential to consider the following features:

• Age of onset: Hemangiomas typically appear at birth or shortly thereafter, while other conditions may have a later age of onset.
• Size and shape: Hemangiomas can vary in size and shape but often appear as a single, well-circumscribed nodule or plaque.
• Color and texture: Hemangiomas are typically bright red to deep purple in color and have a soft, compressible texture.
• Location: Hemangiomas can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the head and neck.

References

• [3] Jul 29, 2020 — Hemangioma must be differentiated from other diseases such as: congenital hemangioma, kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, tufted angioma, nevus flammeus, and ...
• [7] Differential Diagnosis. It is most important in the differential diagnosis to distinguish capillary hemangioma from angiosarcoma.
• [9] by K Oppermann · 2018 · Cited by 15 — Its main differential diagnosis is angiokeratoma circumscriptum neviforme, with an almost indistinguishable clinical presentation because both diseases appear ...
• [10] A cherry angioma or cherry hemangioma describes a harmless, benign vascular skin lesion. As seen in the images below, cherry angiomas may occur on any part of the body and removal may be desired for cosmetic purposes.
• [12] Lobular capillary hemangioma presents as a nodular growth, commonly associated with ulceration of the skin or mucosa.

Note: The above information is based on the search results provided and should not be considered as a comprehensive or definitive guide to differential diagnosis. A healthcare professional should always consult relevant medical literature and consider individual patient factors when making a diagnosis.