Hemangiomas are raised birthmarks. They are clumps of blood vessels that didn't grow normally. They may be there at birth or may appear when a baby is several weeks old. Hemangiomas vary in size and color, including blue, red, or purple. They may grow on the skin or extend deeper into the body.
Hemangiomas usually don't cause symptoms. But they can sometimes cause problems with sight, breathing, hearing, speech, or movement. If they grow on an internal organ, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, or kidneys, they may cause problems with how well that organ works. In rare cases, hemangiomas may become sore, bleed, or get infected.
Your doctor usually can tell if you have a hemangioma by looking at its size, shape, and color. If your doctor thinks a hemangioma may be growing on an internal organ, you may get an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI.
Most hemangiomas don't need to be treated, because they're usually harmless or painless. And some of them may fade or disappear over time.
But some may need treatment if they:
Hemangiomas may be treated with:
To care for a hemangioma:
If you or your child is bothered by how a hemangioma looks, you can make it less noticeable. For example:
If a hemangioma is bothering you or causing problems, talk to your doctor.
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