A benign tumor that grows within the blood vessels is a medical condition referred to as hemangioma. These common skin lesions typically arise in infants during the first month of life, explain health professionals with Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago. A parent or caregiver who has questions regarding the different types of hemangioma tumors should consult a doctor.
Superficial Hemangioma
Tumorous lesions that develop near the surface of an infant's skin are called superficial hemangiomas, explain medical experts with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Typically, superficial hemangiomas appear bright red in color and lie flat against the skin. Certain children can develop a superficial tumor called a strawberry hemangioma, which causes a raised, red lesion to appear across the skin.
Deep Hemangioma
A child who develops a hemangioma tumor within her muscles, internal organs or lower skin layers has a type of skin lesion called a deep hemangioma, according to health experts with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Deep hemangiomas may appear smooth across the skin's surface, but develop a blue or gray color. This type of hemangioma tumor may not be detectable until a child is several weeks or months old because it begins deep beneath the skin, explains Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Once detected, a deep hemangioma can feel firm or rubbery to the touch.
Combined or Mixed Hemangioma
Children who develop hemangioma tumors within the upper skin layers as well as within their bodies, lower skin layers or muscles have combined or mixed hemangioma tumors, report Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center health professionals. The skin lesions exhibit characteristics of both superficial and deep hemangiomas and can appear red and blue in color. Combined or mixed hemangiomas can appear as flat or raised lesions across an infant's skin.
