Strawberry hemangioma

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Strawberry hemangioma (also known as Infantile Hemangioma) is a common type of birthmark that appears at birth or in the first or second week of life. It looks like a rubbery bump and is usually red in color.

Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

A strawberry hemangioma can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly appears on the face, scalp, chest or back. It starts as a small, red patch or bump. It might look like a red scratch or patch at first. Over time, it grows and changes in appearance. It can become a bright red, raised, spongy lesion that can be up to several inches across.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The cause of strawberry hemangiomas is currently unknown; however, several theories have been proposed. Some suggest that a change in the genes of the cells in the hemangioma may lead to its development. Others believe that certain proteins may stimulate the growth of the hemangioma.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Strawberry hemangiomas are usually diagnosed based on a physical examination. The doctor may also order tests such as an ultrasound, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Most strawberry hemangiomas disappear on their own by the time a child is about 10 years old. Some leave behind a patch of slightly discolored skin. If a hemangioma is large or it's interfering with a child's vision or ability to eat or breathe, it might need to be treated with medication or surgery.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Strawberry hemangioma Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD