How Common Is It?

Hemangiomas affect approximately 4–10% of infants. They are more frequently seen in:

• Female babies
• Caucasian populations
• Premature or low-birth-weight infants

They are relatively uncommon in African-American infants.

Causes and Origin

Hemangiomas are not inherited and are not linked to anything the mother did during pregnancy. Current medical understanding suggests they result from a spontaneous mutation in primitive endothelial stem cells during fetal development.

Common Locations

Hemangiomas can appear anywhere on the body, but typical distribution includes:

• 60% on the head and neck
• 25% on the trunk
• 15% on the limbs

In rare cases, they may develop internally, affecting organs such as the liver, gastrointestinal tract, or brain.

Appearance and Types

• Superficial hemangiomas: Bright red, raised lesions often called “strawberry marks”
• Deep hemangiomas: Bluish lesions located beneath the skin
• Congenital forms: May appear as large, grayish lesions with visible blood vessels at birth

Possible Complications

Most hemangiomas do not cause complications. However, in some cases, issues may include:

• Skin ulceration or infection (5–10%)
• Occasional bleeding (rare)
• Interference with vision, breathing, or hearing depending on location
• Facial asymmetry or scarring in severe cases
• Very rarely, internal complications such as bleeding or heart strain (~1%)

Diagnosis

In most cases, diagnosis is made through clinical examination. When needed, imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans help assess deeper involvement. Biopsy is rarely required unless malignancy needs to be ruled out.

Treatment Options

Most hemangiomas do not require active treatment and are simply monitored over time. Intervention is considered when the lesion:

• Affects vital functions (breathing, vision, feeding)
• Becomes ulcerated or repeatedly bleeds
• Causes significant cosmetic or structural concerns

Medical Management

• Corticosteroids
• Vincristine
• Interferon (in selected cases)

Surgical Treatment

Used for cases involving airway obstruction, eyelid involvement, or severe disfigurement.

Laser Therapy

Laser is mainly used for residual redness or superficial vascular changes. It is not typically used to remove active hemangioma tissue but can improve cosmetic appearance after regression.

Prognosis and Long-Term Outcome

The majority of hemangiomas naturally regress over time, often leaving little to no visible trace. If cosmetic concerns remain, corrective procedures such as laser therapy or minor surgery can be considered, usually before school age for optimal aesthetic results.

Advanced Care in Bangkok

At specialized clinics in Bangkok such as Yoskarn Clinic, patients can access expert evaluation and tailored treatment plans for vascular lesions, ensuring safe monitoring and advanced cosmetic correction when needed.