Best treatment time for infantile hemangioma

Written by Zhang Cui Xiang

Pediatrics

Updated on January 24, 2025

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The optimal time to treat hemangiomas in infants is generally around the age of one year, as the vascular circulation becomes visible as bright red birthmarks on the baby's body. These types of hemangiomas are cutaneous and can be effectively cured through laser treatment in early childhood. The earlier the treatment is applied, the better the outcome; the effectiveness diminishes over time. If the hemangioma does not affect the infant's appearance and is relatively small, treatment can be postponed. It is advisable to choose the timing of treatment based on the specific circumstances of the infant. If the hemangioma is large, it is recommended to seek timely laser surgery treatment at a reputable tertiary hospital.

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The difference between granuloma and hemangioma

Granulomas and hemangiomas are both relatively common in clinical settings, yet they have fundamental differences. A granuloma often refers to the proliferation of macrophages and their derivative cells following inflammation in tissues or organs, forming a nodule known as a granuloma, which is actually caused by the inflammation. Hemangiomas, on the other hand, are usually tumors that form from the proliferation of blood vessel-forming cells during embryonic development, and they have no significant relationship with inflammation. Hemangiomas are also a type of benign tumor, which is the main difference between the two.

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How are hemangiomas formed?

The etiology of hemangioma is unknown. Studies have shown that the use of progesterone during pregnancy, undergoing chorionic villus sampling, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, and low birth weight at the time of birth may be related to the formation of hemangiomas. It is believed that hemangiomas are a result of minor misconfigurations in the control gene segments during the embryonic development process, particularly during the early stages of vascular tissue differentiation. This leads to abnormal tissue differentiation at specific sites, eventually developing into hemangiomas. During the early months of embryonic development, from eight to twelve months, mechanical damage to embryonic tissue and local bleeding can cause some hematopoietic stem cells to be distributed among other embryonic cells, some of which differentiate into vessel-like tissues and ultimately form hemangiomas.

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What should be noted about hemangiomas of the liver?

For patients with hepatic hemangioma, the precautions mainly include the following points: First, the severity of hepatic hemangioma is primarily related to its size. Therefore, patients with small hemangiomas usually do not show obvious symptoms and do not require special treatment. It is sufficient to regularly re-examine them with color ultrasound to dynamically observe changes in size. However, for patients with large hepatic hemangiomas, which often cause rupture and bleeding, attention should be paid. Interventional surgery can be used to achieve embolization, thus achieving the purpose of treatment. Second, patients with hepatic hemangioma should also avoid spicy and irritating foods, as well as foods that are difficult to digest, in order to lessen the burden on the liver and help control the progression of the disease.

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What should I do if my child has a hemangioma?

Infantile hemangiomas are caused by congenital genetic defects leading to abnormal development of capillaries. Currently, there are no very effective treatments available, and the method of treatment can be chosen based on the size and severity of the hemangioma. If the hemangioma is relatively small and does not affect the child's body, it can be temporarily observed, as some children's hemangiomas may gradually heal on their own. If the hemangioma is larger, or has caused some related clinical symptoms, or has affected the child's appearance, it is advisable to consider going to a regular hospital for surgical removal. Postoperative prognosis for the child is generally good, and ideal treatment results can be achieved.

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Do hemangiomas in children pulsate?

Children's hemangiomas do not exhibit pulsation. Hemangiomas are benign tumors and can be categorized into true hemangiomas and vascular malformations. However, regardless of the type, hemangiomas generally do not show any obvious symptoms, neither pain nor itchiness. Those that grow on the surface of the skin are easily noticeable due to their obvious location. However, hemangiomas that develop in internal organs usually cannot be detected by oneself; they are typically found during physical examinations. Hemangiomas on the skin surface almost have no impact on children, but those growing in internal organs can be more dangerous if they grow large and rupture, possibly even threatening life. Therefore, if an internal organ hemangioma is discovered, it is crucial to treat it promptly.