Hemangioma

Types of hemangiomas

Hemangiomas, including strawberry hemangiomas, port-wine stains, and salmon patches, are malformations of blood vessels that can occur in children.

• Strawberry hemangiomas, also known as strawberry marks, are raised, reddish-white blemishes that can be very small or up to several inches in diameter. They can grow quickly in the first year of life. Most disappear within 5 years without treatment.
• Port-wine stains are flat purple or dark red areas that grow with the child and persist into adulthood. They are rarely a problem except in some cases when they are found near the eyelid and forehead. Cosmetic treatment by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist may be possible when your child is older.
• Salmon patches, also called stork bites, are small, flat patches of pink-red marks located primarily on the lower forehead, upper eyelids, and nape of the neck; they usually become less noticeable within the first year of life.

Vascular Anomalies and Malformations

While hemangiomas are a type of vascular anomaly, it's important to distinguish them from other vascular malformations. Vascular anomalies encompass a broader range of conditions, including both vascular tumors (like hemangiomas) and vascular malformations. Unlike hemangiomas, which typically appear shortly after birth and often resolve on their own, vascular malformations are present at birth and tend to grow proportionally with the child. These malformations result from errors in vascular development and can affect various types of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, capillaries, and lymphatic vessels.

Vascular malformations do not have a rapid growth phase like hemangiomas and do not involute over time. They can be classified based on the type of blood vessel involved, such as venous malformations, lymphatic malformations, or arteriovenous malformations. These conditions may require different treatment approaches compared to hemangiomas, often involving a multidisciplinary team of specialists to manage potential complications and provide appropriate interventions.