Health Topics

They are most often found on the head, neck or limbs, but can also occur in the liver. 

They can be flat or may look like a mass sticking up from the skin. They are usually purple/red with a "halo" or lighter area around them.

Usually a diagnosis is made by comparing the medical history with findings from a physical exam. It may be hard to tell some of them apart from infantile hemangiomas or other types of vascular lesion. The following tests are used to help with the diagnosis:

• ultrasonography
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• computed tomography (CT)
A biopsy is done if there are questions about the diagnosis or if there is a chance of a cancerous growth. A small section of tissue is taken from the lesion and examined by a doctor.

Complications are uncommon, but they can occur with either RICH or NICH, especially if they are large in size, or in an internal organ, such as the liver. Because of their high rate of blood flow, congenital hemangiomas can cause:

• congestive heart failure
• bleeding problems
• skin breakdown

A multidisciplinary pediatric team that specializes in treating hemangiomas should evaluate your child.

The RICH form of congenital hemangiomas do not usually require treatment since they shrink quickly on their own. Decisions to treat these or NICH must be made on an individual basis. The team considers such things as:

• how well the child can function physically
• preventing permanent disfigurement
• the emotional impact of the lesion

All children with significant congenital hemangiomas should have a thorough exam with follow –up by a doctor. Medications used to treat infantile hemangiomas are usually not effective for congenital hemangiomas.

Observation

In most cases, just watching is the best course to follow, especially if it is not hurting a child’s ability to function.

Drug therapy

The medications typically used to treat infantile hemangiomas may not work for congenital hemangiomas.

Surgery

Surgery may be needed for complicated congenital hemangiomas:

• those in the liver
• those that are causing problems with bleeding or heart failure