Hemangiomat

Hemangiomat, a term sometimes used for hemangioma, refers to a benign vascular tumor composed of proliferating blood vessels. These lesions can be solitary or multiple and may involve the skin and subcutaneous tissue, mucous membranes, or, in rarer cases, internal organs. They are not cancerous and do not metastasize, but their size and location can cause functional or cosmetic concerns.

The most common form is infantile hemangioma, which typically appears within weeks after birth, undergoes rapid proliferation during the first several months, and then gradually involutes over years. Many resolve completely or leave only faint pigmentary changes or residual tissue. Congenital hemangiomas are fully formed at birth and may either rapidly involute or persist with limited change. Distinct vascular anomalies, such as capillary, venous, lymphatic, or arteriovenous malformations, can be present from birth but are biologically different from true infantile hemangiomas and have different growth patterns and treatments.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on appearance and history. Additional imaging, such as ultrasound with Doppler or magnetic resonance imaging, is used when deeper, extensive, or internal involvement is suspected to guide management.

Treatment is often conservative for small, uncomplicated hemangiomas. Problematic infantile hemangiomas may respond to oral propranolol or, less commonly, systemic or topical corticosteroids, laser therapy, or surgical options for residual deformities. Vascular malformations require treatment tailored to their type and extent, including sclerotherapy or laser therapy, with multidisciplinary care as needed.

The prognosis is generally favorable, particularly for infantile hemangiomas, though some lesions can ulcerate, bleed, or cause functional or aesthetic issues requiring intervention.