A hemangioma is a type of birthmark, usually on the head or neck, which appears shortly after birth, grows rapidly, and in most cases slowly disappears, usually before puberty. The mark is a cluster of blood vessels that form abnormally.

If your child develops a birthmark that grows, consult a doctor. This is a potentially serious condition that may require medical treatment to allow proper development of nearby organs.

It is not known what causes hemangiomas to appear, grow, or disappear.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Your baby is more likely to have a hemangioma if it is female, Caucasian, and/or premature.

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to hemangioma. These symptoms may be caused by other, more or less serious health conditions. Symptoms include:

• A red "strawberry" or purple bump on the skin, that may continue to grow and spread (sign of a superficial hemangioma)
• A bluish swelling under the skin (sign of a deep hemangioma)

The vast majority of hemangiomas are benign and resolve on their own. A large portion of the lesion typically disappears by age five with the vast majority gone by puberty. A small minority, however, may lead to complications. Large and/or rapidly growing hemangiomas may lead to ulceration, scarring, and disfigurement.

Depending on their location, some hemangiomas may interfere with the growth and function of structures nearby (eg, eyes or airway), or may be associated with additional hemangiomas or other problems affecting internal organs. Hemangiomas of the face may be associated with abnormalities of the blood vessels of the eye or brain. Your physician may wish to do an MRI or other study to determine if such changes are present.

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Most cases of superficial hemangiomas are obvious on inspection. If there is any question of the diagnosis, particularly for deep hemangiomas, your doctor may recommend testing. Tests may include:

• CT scan —an x-ray test that uses computers to create detailed images of a deep hemangioma, surrounding tissues and other organs that may be affected
• MRI —a test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of other internal organs that may be affected
• Angiography —the use of a dye injected into a vein along with the help of x-rays, CT scan, or MRI to identify other hemangiomas internally

Treatment options include:

• Lasers—work best for superficial hemangiomas
• Steroid drugs—preferably given locally by injection, but may be given orally for large or rapidly growing hemangiomas
• Recombinant Interferon Alfa—a drug that affects the immune system, usually used when steroid drugs fail or cannot be used