A hemangioma is a type of benign tumor formed from an abnormal group of blood vessels (hemangioma literally means "blood-vessel tumor"). It is often thought of as a birthmark, although it may appear after a child is born, according to Medline Plus.
Identification
A hemangioma begins as a flat, red marking (often on the face, scalp or back of the neck) that becomes spongy and juts out of the skin. The Mayo Clinic reports that a hemangioma may grow up to 2 or 3 inches in diameter in the first year of a child's life.
Features
After reaching its full diameter, a hemangioma stops growing and then slowly disappears over time, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Time Frame
Half of hemangiomas are gone by the time a child reaches the age of 5, and 90 percent are resolved by the time a child is 9, according to Medline Plus.
Complications
Hemangiomas normally aren't serious, but complications may occur. According to Medline Plus, these include bleeding (especially from an injury to the hemangioma), trouble breathing and eating, psychological effects from the appearance of the skin, infection and sores, skin changes and vision problems.
Treatment
Most hemangiomas do not require treatment, but laser surgery and corticosteroid medications can help resolve symptoms if treatment is necessary, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tags: Mayo Clinic, Medline Plus, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic, according Medline, time child
