Hemangioma

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Circulatory system

Hemangioma - angiogram

Hemangioma excision - series

Hemangioma on the face (nose)

Cavernous hemangioma; Strawberry nevus

Superficial or "strawberry" hemangiomas often are not treated. When they are allowed to disappear on their own, the result is usually normal-appearing skin. In some cases, a laser may be used to eradicate the small vessels.

Cavernous hemangiomas that involve the eyelid and obstruct vision are generally treated with injections of steroids or laser treatments that rapidly reduce the size of the lesions, allowing normal vision to develop. Large cavernous hemangiomas or mixed hemangiomas are treated, when appropriate, with oral steroids and injections of steroids directly into the hemangioma.

Recently, lasers have been used to reduce the bulk of the hemangiomas. Lasers emitting yellow light selectively damage the vessels in the hemangioma without damaging the overlying skin. Some physicians are using a combination of steroid injection and laser therapy together.

Small, superficial hemangiomas should disappear completely on their own. Large cavernous hemangiomas should be evaluated by a physician and treated appropriately.

• Bleeding
• Visual abnormalities (amblyopia, strabismus)
• Psychosocial problems

All birthmarks, including hemangiomas, should be evaluated by the health care provider during a routine examination.

Review Date: 10/26/2006
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.