Hemangiomas are noncancerous growths that form due to an abnormal collection of blood vessels. They’re often found on the skin or internal organs, particularly the liver. They are usually congenital, which means that most people develop them before birth, while they’re still in the womb.
Hemangiomas on the liver rarely cause symptoms. Usually, they’re not discovered until you are tested for an unrelated condition — this is called an “incidental finding.” Skin hemangiomas appear as small scratches on babies and grow larger as the child ages. However, most hemangiomas of the skin disappear by the age of 10.
Hemangiomas are usually small, but in some cases they may grow large, or develop lesions and require removal. There are no known ways to prevent the growth of hemangiomas on the skin or organs.
Hemangiomas of the skin develop when blood vessels group together into a single lump. Experts aren’t sure why blood vessels group together like this, but they suspect that it’s caused by certain proteins that are produced in the placenta during gestation (the time when you are in the womb).
On the Skin
Hemangiomas of the skin can form on the top layer of skin or on the fatty layer underneath (called the subcutaneous layer). In the beginning, it may appear to be a red birthmark on the skin. Slowly, it will start to protrude upward from the skin.
On the Liver
Hemangiomas of the liver form in and on the liver’s surface. These hemangiomas are thought to be sensitive to estrogen. During menopause, many women are prescribed replacement estrogen to minimize the symptoms caused by the decline of their natural estrogen levels. This excess estrogen can spur the growth of liver hemangiomas.
Where Else Can Hemangiomas Grow?
Hemangiomas can grow on other areas within the body, such as the:
Hemangiomas that grow in the brain cavities or other cavities within the body are called cavernous hemangiomas.
Hemangiomas don’t normally cause symptoms during or after their formation. However, they may cause some symptoms if they grow large, if there are multiple hemangiomas, or if they grow in a sensitive area.
How Do Skin Hemangiomas Look?
Hemangiomas of the skin usually appear to be small red scratches or bumps. As they grow, their appearance is similar to a burgundy-colored birthmark. Skin hemangiomas are sometimes called strawberry hemangiomas, because of their deep red appearance. This type is mostly found on the neck or the face.
Symptoms of Hemangiomas of the Internal Organs
Hemangiomas inside the body usually go unnoticed until they grow large, or multiple hemangiomas form.
Some symptoms that you might have include:
- abdominal discomfort
- loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss
- a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
No special tests are used to diagnose skin hemangiomas. Your doctor can diagnose them by sight during a physical examination.
Hemangiomas on the organs are usually spotted during an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, and are usually detected as an incidental finding.
A single, small hemangioma usually requires no treatment and will likely go away on its own. However, some cases will require treatment.
When Skin Hemangiomas Require Treatment
Skin hemangiomas that develop lesions or sores may require treatment.
Treatment options include:
- corticosteroid medication
- laser treatment
- medicated gel
- surgical removal
Corticosteroid medication may be injected into the hemangioma to reduce its growth and stop inflammation.
Laser treatment is used to remove the hemangioma. In some cases, a surgeon may use laser treatment to reduce redness and promote quicker healing.
A medicated gel called becaplermin (Regranex) is often used to treat ulcers on the surface of skin hemangiomas. This gel has no effect on the hemangioma itself.
If the hemangioma is particularly large, or is in a sensitive area like the eye, your doctor may opt to remove it surgically.
When Hemangiomas on the Organs Require Treatment
Hemangiomas within the body may require treatment if they grow exceptionally large or cause pain.
Treatment options for these hemangiomas include:
- surgical removal of the hemangioma
- surgical removal of the damaged organ or damaged area
- tying off the main artery that supplies blood to the hemangiomas
More often than not, a hemangioma is more of a cosmetic concern than a medical one, but you should talk to a doctor if you have any concerns or want to discuss removal.