Laser for Birthmarks and Hemangiomas

What are Hemangiomas?

Hemangiomas are simply a collection of extra blood vessels in the skin. The word is derived from "hemangio" meaning blood vessel and "oma" meaning tumor. It is a benign growth. They may have different appearances depending on the depth of the increased numbers of blood vessels.

Fig. A

• Strawberry Hemangioma is an abnormal collection of blood vessels in the skin characterized by a bright red color and well-defined border.
• A Deep or Cavernous Hemangioma is a large, collection of blood vessels beneath the skin surface characterized by a soft, bluish, or skin colored mass.
• A Combined Hemangioma is a combination of a deep and superficial (strawberry) hemangioma.

Hemangioma in one-year-old baby

How Common are Hemangiomas?

Hemangiomas are one of the most common birthmarks in newborns. Most hemangiomas are not present at birth but develop within the first few weeks to months of life. They are found in up to 10 percent of babies by the age of one.

Why do Hemangiomas Occur?

The cause of hemangiomas is unknown. In very rare instances they may run in families, but in general they are not inherited. For a parent with a child with this birthmark, there is no increased risk of having a subsequent child with a hemangioma. Hemangiomas are more common in girl babies than boys. They are also more commonly seen in premature infants.

TYPICAL GROWTH PATTERN OF HEMANGIOMAS: WHEN WILL THEY GO AWAY?

Hemangiomas usually involute (shrink away) in time. 30% of hemangiomas will resolve by 3 years of age 50% by 5 years of age, and 80%-90% by 9 years of age. Over one-half of hemangiomas heal with an excellent cosmetic result without treatment.

Which Hemangiomas Need Treatment?

Hemangiomas usually appear, grow and go away without problems. In most cases, we do not recommend treatment. Some hemangiomas can cause significant problems, however. Scenarios that may be more complicated and require treatment include:

1. Involvement of a vital organ, like the eye or ear, or windpipe
2. Bleeding
3. Ulceration
4. Crusting or infection
5. Rapid growth and deformity of the surrounding tissues

Hemangiomas in certain areas may have a higher risk of complications. These areas include the face (especially nose and lips), body folds, and groin. Hemangiomas in certain locations, which affect function, or are complicated by infection or ulceration, may be treated with laser, medication, or injections. If any worrisome signs appear such as these listed above, please contact your physician.

Hemangioma Under the Eye Before Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment and Cortisone	Hemangioma Under the Eye After Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment and Cortisone

Fig. Baby born with hemangioma on scalp before treatment. Notice the open sores which have developed within the birthmark leading to pain and discomfort for the baby.	Fig. Same baby after multiple laser treatments and injections of cortisone into the birthmark.

What Treatments are Available?

In many instances no treatment will be indicated. If treatment is needed, however, it may include:

Cortisone: Injected into the hemangioma or given orally by mouth. If given orally for prolonged periods has side effects including increased risk of systemic infection, high blood pressure, diabetes, increased appetite, stomach irritation, growth suppression, etc.

Laser Therapy: In the past when children and adults were affected by port wine stains, hemangiomas, angiomas, telangiectasia, pigmented spots and other birthmarks, it meant years of worry and attempts to cover the mark.

But lesion lasers now in use at Dr. Al Rustom's Skin and Laser Clinic can safely remove or diminish lesions with little or no scarring and minimal anesthesia, even in infants as young as a few days old. Early treatment of these lesions means young children can have birthmarks removed before psychological effects or possible physical complications can occur.

Antibiotics: If the hemangioma is infected and open it may be treated with a short course of antibiotics and daily wound cleansing.

Alpha Interferon: This therapy is limited to the most severe and potentially life threatening hemangiomas. It involves administering systemic medication via daily shots, usually into the leg, for several months. It is usually given to the baby by the parents under physician direction and supervision. This therapy has serious potential side effects including neurologic effects, blood abnormalities and others.

Surgical removal: In rare instances, hemangiomas may be surgically removed especially if they are not likely to resolve spontaneously or lead to significant tissue distortion and deformation.

Find more about Laser Therapy for Red Birthmarks