About this topic
A hemangioma is an abnormal group of blood vessels in the skin or in organs. Some babies are born with them. Others develop them in the first few months of life. Most hemangiomas are on the face or neck. They may keep growing for up to 18 months. After that time, they often start to get smaller. Most small hemangiomas will go away on their own by the time a child is about 10 years old. ‚
Hemangiomas can grow on the skin or inside the body on the organs and tissues. There are three main types of hemangiomas: ‚
- On the top layer of skin. This is a superficial hemangioma.
- In the deep layers of skin. This is a deep hemangioma.
- One that involves both top and deep layers of skin. This is a compound hemangioma.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Often, your child will not need any treatment at home.
- Give your child any drugs your doctor orders.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with swelling
- Affect the immune system
The doctor may give your child a shot of a drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your childs physical activity should not be limited because of this problem. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Infection
- Problems with seeing, hearing, or talking
- Breathing problems
- Eating problems
- Skin changes
- Psychological problems from how the hemangioma looks
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing that can be done to prevent this problem. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- The hemangioma:
- Starts to bleed
- Becomes firm
- Grows very fast
- Causes your child to have problems with seeing, hearing, eating, talking, or breathing
- Health problem is not better or your child is feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how long my hemangioma may grow bigger and when it may disappear by.
- I can tell you what I will do if my hemangioma bleeds, gets bigger, or causes me other problems.
Where can I learn more?
Vascular Birthmarks Foundation ‚
http://www.birthmark.org/node/24 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚