What is Vascular Beni (Hemangioma)? Symptoms and Treatment

Hemangiomas, popularly known by various names such as vascular mole, benign vascular tumor and rose spot, are red-purple skin lesions seen in various parts of the body. These lesions, which can be seen in two different types, simple and widespread, are also classified in different ways according to the region and the organ involved. Accurate recognition and close follow-up of hemangiomas, which are one of the most common problems especially in infancy and childhood, are extremely important for effective treatment.

What is Hemangioma?

Hemangioma, which presents with red-purple lesions on the skin and is often called a vascular mole, can be defined as a benign vascular tumor that is present at birth or appears within a few weeks after birth. These tumors, which occur as a result of the increase in endothelial cells located on the inner side of the vascular walls, are the most common benign tumors of childhood. These lesions, known as vascular moles, are commonly seen in the head and neck region. In the initial stage, it looks completely red, has a hard structure and is slightly warm. In the later stages, it becomes a little softer, less warm and paler in color. When the lesion completes its formation, it loses its swelling and becomes flat. These lesions, medically called congenital capillary skin hemangioma, can be superficial on the skin and affect only the skin and capillary tissue in that area, or they can be deeply located and affect different organs and tissues. The most common form of involvement is superficial involvement, which causes only red-purple discoloration of the skin and is limited to the area where it is located. This type of hemangiomas is called simple hemangioma type. However, the presence of multiple lesions of a few millimeters or a few centimeters in size in different parts of the skin is defined as diffuse hemangioma. 50 to 60% of hemangiomas occur as superficial, 15% as deep, and 25 to 35% as both superficial and deep (mixed). In the presence of deep hemangioma, different organs, especially the liver, are at risk. Therefore, these patients should be evaluated for internal organ involvement and rapid treatment interventions should be implemented to prevent tissue or organ damage. Frequently asked questions like “What does hemangioma mean?”, “What is a vascular mole?” The questions can be answered this way.

What are the symptoms of hemangioma?

Since hemangiomas are lesions that are usually present at birth, there are no signs or symptoms beforehand. However, some symptoms can be mentioned for hemangioma lesions that appear a few weeks after birth. Observation of pale color changes on the skin in the first weeks after birth brings to mind the risk of hemangioma. Capillary varicose veins, also called telangiectasis, are structures that usually turn into hemangioma lesions in the future. Therefore, the appearance of capillary varicose veins in the baby’s skin tissue in the weeks after birth should be considered as a sign of hemangioma and should be followed closely. Another finding considered as a sign of hemangioma is the presence of hypopigmentation. The baby’s skin contains cells that lack the color pigment called melanin, and white spots appear in the areas where these cells are present. This condition, medically called hypopigmentation, is among the symptoms of hemangioma. All of these are skin findings that are considered as precursor lesions of hemangioma. However, observing these may not be as easy as it seems. Hemangioma lesions are usually noticed as soon as they appear. Vein mole symptoms can be seen as follows, depending on their type:

• Superficial hemangiomas are bright red lesions with sharp borders. It can appear as completely flat plaques that cannot be felt on the surface, or as nodules that form blisters on the skin surface. The color of these hemangiomas partially fades when pressed.
• In the presence of deep hemangioma, lesions with normal skin color or slightly purple-blue color are usually seen. The borders of these lesions are not clearly defined. It is possible to see the vessels feeding this hemangioma on the surface. This type of hemangiomas usually shows findings such as darkening in color and increasing in diameter when the baby cries.

Hemangiomas go through three different periods: a rapid growth phase, followed by a stationary phase, and a rather long, gradual regression phase. The rapid growth phase usually lasts for 6-10 months, and at the end of this phase, the lesion reaches a tight, raised, bright red appearance. It is mostly observed that hemangioma reaches its largest diameter in 1-year-old babies. The stationary phase begins at the age of one. At this stage, no change is observed in the hemangioma lesion. After the stable phase lasting about a year, the regression phase begins and the first finding that occurs in this phase is that the hemangioma loses its bright red color. In the regression phase, the lesion is purple in color and has a duller appearance. This color change starts from the center of the lesion and spreads towards the periphery. At this stage, the lesion also loses its hardness and becomes softer. This period, called the regression phase, is a long-term process that lasts for 5-7 years.

Hemangioma Treatment

Hemangiomas are lesions that generally have a benign course and are prone to spontaneous regression. Therefore, it does not often require treatment. However, in some cases, early intervention may be required. Examples of cases that require early intervention include lesions growing faster than expected and deforming the face, eye involvement, lesions settling in the pharynx or larynx tissue, presence of lesions in the genital or anal tissue, lesions with bleeding, and hemangiomas leading to heart failure.

Although many methods such as surgical interventions, compression bandages, laser and radiation applications, embolization and corticosteroids have been preferred for hemangioma treatment in the past, today the first treatment option is oral propranolol. It has been discovered that this drug, which has been used in the treatment of hypertension for many years, provides regression of hemangioma lesions thanks to its effect of lowering blood pressure and widening blood vessels. As a result of the studies, propranolol has been accepted as the most effective method for the treatment of hemangioma. The fact that it has no permanent side effects is one of the main reasons for choosing this method. Although side effects such as low blood pressure or heart rate may occur at the beginning of treatment, these tend to regress over time and can be easily controlled.

In the treatment of hemangioma with this method, the lesions are largely eliminated and recurrence is often prevented. However, in some cases, even if the lesions regress, they do not disappear completely and a slightly red appearance remains in the area. This appearance is considered a cosmetic defect, especially during childhood, and may negatively affect the child’s psychosocial development. In such cases, some dermocosmetic applications can be applied to the patient by the physician. Since hemangioma lesions are extremely sensitive lesions, the applications should be planned by physicians who are experts in the field and care should be taken to apply them in a sterile hospital environment.

What Causes Hemangioma?

The factor that causes hemangioma is not precisely determined, but it is possible to mention some conditions that increase the risk of hemangioma in the baby. Especially when hemangioma cases present at birth were examined, it was observed that there was a relationship between advanced maternal age and hemangioma risk. However, it can be said that some conditions such as multiple pregnancy such as twins or triplets and the development of placenta-related complications during pregnancy also cause hemangioma lesions in the baby. In addition to all these, as a result of the studies conducted, it is also possible to say that hemangioma has a genetic effect. If one of the family members has a hemangioma, the risk of hemangioma in the baby increases by 34%. Therefore, it is important for babies with a family history of hemangiomas to be closely monitored and evaluated with detailed examination after birth. Frequently wondered “What causes vascular moles?” The question can be answered this way.

You can consult a healthcare provider to get detailed information about hemangioma symptoms and vein mole treatment. We wish you healthy days.