Hemangiomas are cancerous tumors that consist of abnormally developed blood vessels. Hemangiomas can be benign neoplastic changes or malignant tumors. There are many types of hemangiomas, such as angiomas, cavernous, stellate, flat. What are the causes and symptoms of hemangiomas? What is the treatment?

Hemangiomas( haemangioma ) are cancerous tumors that consist of abnormally dilated blood vessels. There are hemangiomas that are benign neoplastic changes or malignant tumors.

Hemangiomas, which are benign neoplastic tumors, are most often diagnosed in children. The malignant ones can occur at any age.

Hemangiomas - types

Hemangiomas - benign neoplastic changes:

  • flat hemangioma(spotted) - occurs from birth
  • Capillary hemangioma- they are diagnosed in newborns or within a few weeks from birth (more often in girls). In most cases, it disappears spontaneously between the ages of 6 and 7
  • cavernous hemangioma- occur at any age, more often in the female sex
  • lymphangioma- occurs from birth or appears in the first years of life
  • stellate hemangioma- occurs in children, often in young women, almost never in men

Hemangiomas - malignant tumors:

  • hemangiosarcoma
  • Kaposi's sarcoma
  • Malignant oblioma

Hemangiomas - causes

The causes of hemangiomas are not known. Perhaps they have a genetic basis, as evidenced by the presence of these changes among family members.

Hemangiomas can also be one of the symptoms ( although rarely) of some diseases. For example, cavernous hemangioma can occur in the course of conditions such as:

  • PHACES team
  • disseminated neonatal angioma
  • PELVIS team

In turn, stellate hemangioma often accompanies liver diseases.

In turn, the development of Kaposi's sarcoma is associated with infection with the herpes virus of the HHV-6 type.

Hemangiomas - symptoms

Hemangiomas - benign neoplastic changes:

  • flat hemangioma- it's flat, gooda limited stain that is initially bright red but turns dark red over time
  • Capillary hemangioma- has the form of a soft lesion, which has a red color, hence the term "strawberry mark". When you squeeze her, she will turn pale. May affect the face (around the eye), neck, torso and legs
  • cavernous hemangioma- localized on the skin or mucous membranes or inside the body. It has the form of a lumpy red or cyan nodule
  • lymphangioma- comes from lymphatic (lymph) vessels. The most common location of these hemangiomas is the head and neck (less frequently internal organs). They can rupture spontaneously and bleed into body cavities, resulting in chocolate spots and cysts
  • stellate hemangioma- usually occurs on the skin of the face and trunk. The lesion has a characteristic appearance - there is a red spot in the center from which the vessels radiate away

Hemangiomas - malignant tumors:

  • hemangiosarcoma- most often affects the liver, thyroid, breast and spleen
  • Kaposi's sarcoma- may appear as red and blue bumps on the hands or feet
  • Malignant lymphoma- may affect the skin or internal organs and result in bleeding, e.g. from the nose
Important

Watch out for hemangiomas located around the eye and mouth

The problem may be hemangiomas located around the eye, e.g. on the conjunctiva, eyelids (may impair eyesight), orbital (it may then cause strabismus, refractive errors or amblyopia, and even loss of vision) or on the lips (hemangiomas in this area make it difficult to eat, and at a later age they can also lead to malocclusion and speech defects). In addition, some hemangiomas can become infected.

Hemangiomas - diagnosis

Hemangiomas always require medical consultation, especially if they are large, cause pain or have wounds. As part of the diagnosis, you need to visit an ophthalmologist, cardiologist, neurologist and do an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

Hemangiomas - treatment

If a child develops hemangiomas, they usually resolve on their own within the first few years of life. Some, however, require the intervention of a doctor who decides which method to remove them.

Removal of the hemangioma , which does not disappear by itself, is necessary especially when its growth may lead to complications. This is the case, for example, when the hemangioma is located within the eyelidswhether in the eye socket or on the lips. Hemangiomas are removed surgically: with a scalpel, cryotherapy or laser.

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About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Oncology