- Hemangiomas appear during the first couple weeks after birth. These red birthmarks are non-cancerous tumors effecting endothelial cells that line blood vessels. The endothelial cells reproduce at an abnormally rapid rate, and the hemangiomas can grow quite large.
- Hemangiomas grow quickly during the first 12 months of life. This is called the proliferative stage of hemangioma growth. By the end of this stage, the birthmark begins to shrink. The birth mark stops shrinking by the age of 10.
- Rarely hemangiomas develop complications. Hemangiomas can grow large, and obstruct vision or breathing. The child's heart may need to work harder than necessary to provide blood-flow to an extremely vascular hemangioma. Internal hemangiomas can interfere with function of nearby organs. Rupture is the most common complication. Thankfully, all hemangioma complications can be treated.
- Corticosteroids injected directly into the birthmark can slow or reverse the growth of hemangioma. Surgery can remove large, complicated hemangiomas.
- Consider allowing time for the birthmark to fade if the hemangioma is small and uncomplicated. Boston Children's Hospital also states that these anomalies clear up, leaving relatively intact skin. No parent wants to see their child's self esteem lowered by rude comments and stares, but surgery leaves a permanent scar and medication does not always work.
