A hemangioma is a an unusual growth of blood vessels that is often found at birth or develops shortly after birth. When present internally, compound hemangiomas often cause large, bulbous lumps. Superficial hemangiomas on the surface of the skin cause reddish, disfiguring lesions. Fortunately, several treatment options are available for hemangiomas.
Observation
All hemangiomas develop differently, and some hemangiomas disappear without treatment in a process known as involution. When a child is born with a hemangioma or one develops soon after birth, the first step doctors take is to carefully observe its development. If the hemangioma is growing, or "proliferating," doctors begin treatment. However, if the hemangioma is involuting, doctors may let it disappear on its own, in order to avoid the risks of side effects that may accompany other treatments.
Steroids
Steroids, such as prednisone, are commonly used to treat hemangiomas. These medications are often administered orally and act by halting the growth of hemangiomas. In some cases of small, deep hemangiomas, steroids are directly injected into the site of a lesion. Steroids are powerful medications that can cause serious side effects, but carefully monitored administration of steroids usually effectively treats hemangiomas with limited long-term side effects.
Other Medications
Recent studies have found that propranolol, a medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure, can effectively treat hemangiomas without the side effects caused by steroids. Clinical studies are currently under way to explore the use of this medication for hemangioma treatment.
Lasers
Several types of lasers are commonly used to remove the lesions caused by hemangiomas. Different characteristics of the lesions, such as whether they are on the surface of the skin or deep within tissue, determine which type of laser will yield the most effective treatment. For example, yellow-light lasers can specifically eliminate the overgrown blood vessels without damaging the skin above. Laser therapy is sometimes used in conjunction with steroid treatment to achieve maximum benefit.
Surgery
Another common technique used to treat hemangiomas is surgery. Hemangioma surgery is technically difficult and requires special training, according to The Hemangioma Treatment Foundation. However, a properly trained doctor can successfully remove a hemangioma with minimal risk to the health of the child or risk of scarring. Surgery is often combined with laser or steroid treatment, as each option has different benefits and shortcomings. Using the proper combination of treatment tailored to the specific patient, doctors can effectively treat most hemangiomas.
