The cause for hemangiomas and vascular malformations is usually sporadic (occurs by chance). However, they can also be inherited in a family as an autosomal dominant trait.
Hemangiomas and vascular malformations usually occur by chance. However, they can also be inherited in a family as an autosomal dominant trait. Autosomal dominant means that one gene is necessary to express the condition, and the gene is passed from parent to child with a 50/50 risk for each pregnancy.
Most infantile hemangiomas are sporadic, although there are reports of families with multiple affected individuals. There may be a genetic contribution to the development of hemangiomas.
The cause of hemangiomas and vascular malformations often isn't known. They may be passed on (inherited) in some families. The way they're passed on is called autosomal dominant inheritance. This means that only 1 parent needs to have the gene to pass it on.
Some hemangiomas over the face and neck are associated with PHACE syndrome. This syndrome involves problems with the brain, heart, eye and chest wall. Hemangiomas located over the lower back and spine can be linked with spinal defects.
A hemangioma may be present at birth, but more often appears during the first several months of life. It starts as a flat red mark anywhere on the body, most often on the face, scalp, chest or back.
Doctors don't know what causes a hemangioma. It may be related to changing oxygen levels that happen while the baby is developing in the womb. Hemangiomas are more common in babies born prematurely (before their due date), at a low birth weight, or as part of a multiple birth (twins, triplets, etc.).
About 80 percent of hemangiomas stop growing by about 5 months, Dr. Antaya says. After hitting this plateau phase, they stay unchanged for several months, and then begin to slowly disappear over time (called involution). By the time children reach 10 years of age, hemangiomas are usually gone.
The prognosis is very good for uncomplicated IH and there is complete involution in the majority of cases. 50% of hemangiomas will resolve in 5 years, 70% by 7 years and 90% by 9 years.
All birthmarks, including hemangiomas, should be evaluated by your provider during a regular exam. Hemangiomas of the eyelid that may cause problems with vision must be treated soon after birth. Hemangiomas that interfere with eating or breathing also need to be treated early.
Most strawberry hemangiomas are harmless. But some hemangiomas do cause problems if they: Form near the eye: These hemangiomas may spread into the eye socket and press on the eye, affecting vision. They raise the risk of problems like glaucoma or lazy eye (amblyopia).
For most hemangiomas that aren't obstructing vision near your eyes, treatment isn't necessary. They tend to disappear on their own over time. Hemangiomas that are located near your eyes may lead to vision problems if left unchecked.
Common risk factors in the development of hemangioma are female gender, prematurity, low birth weight, and fair skin.
One-fifth of all hemangiomas can be linked to trauma. Cavernous hemangioma is a benign tumor and tumor-like lesion of blood vessels.
Hemangiomas are more common in girls than in boys. They are more common in premature infants, twins and Caucasian children. Most hemangiomas go through several phases of growth.
Most infantile hemangiomas do not need to be treated with surgery. Surgery is less common now than in years past because of the medicines available now that are safe and effective. Hemangiomas that have noticeable scar tissue left after shrinking may need surgery.
Because hemangiomas very rarely become cancerous, most do not require any medical treatment. However, some hemangiomas can be disfiguring, and many people seek a doctor's care for cosmetic reasons.
Hemangioma tumors can occur in various organs, including the brain, where they can sometimes cause problems. In the liver, though, they rarely do.
Most infantile hemangiomas (IHs) do not need treatment and will go away on their own. Your child's health care professional may check the IH over time to make sure it is shrinking and is not causing any problems. If the IH needs treatment, your child's health care professional will probably first suggest a medicine.
Infantile hemangiomas typically go through three characteristic phases: proliferation, plateau, and involution.
These conditions can be life-threatening if they're large or affect your child's airway or another organ. A hemangioma can also be serious if it has uncontrollable bleeding. Depending on where your child's growth is located, it may cause physical problems.
Infantile hemangiomas usually become noticeable by 4 weeks of age. They may start out looking like a tiny bump or scratch. But many then grow especially fast between 5 and 7 weeks old.
They happen by chance. The occurrence of birthmarks may be inherited. Some marks may be similar to marks on other family members, but most are not. Red birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels.