Infantile hemangiomas are a common benign tumor that can develop in babies during their first few months of life. Lesions are frequently found on the face, head, neck and trunk and grow quickly. Although complications are rare, timely treatment is important.
Hemangioma Clinic
Children’s Wisconsin provides early diagnosis, treatment and support to help manage these common birthmarks safely.
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When Are Hemangiomas Treated?
Most hemangiomas will shrink over time and may completely disappear on their own. However, some hemangiomas will require treatment. Some factors that determine the need to treat include:
- Age
- Size of the hemangioma
- Location of the hemangioma
- How rapidly the hemangioma is growing
Hemangiomas located in areas that threaten health (such as the airway or liver) or normal function (such as ear canal or on the eye) and hemangiomas that are potentially disfiguring (such as on the face) are treated more quickly and aggressively than hemangiomas that pose less of a risk.
Treatment at Children’s Wisconsin
All of our pediatric dermatologists are trained to take care of infants and children with infantile hemangiomas. Depending on the patient’s needs, some patients may be referred for care in the Hemangioma Clinic. This clinic provides comprehensive care for the child and family with infantile hemangiomas. In addition, pediatric dermatologists at Children's Wisconsin are leaders in the research of infantile hemangiomas.
Treatment options for infantile hemangiomas include:
- Observation
- Propranolol
- Timolol
- Surgical removal in rare cases
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