Hemangioma (blood sponge) – causes, symptoms & therapy

A hemangioma – also known as a blood sponge or strawberry spot – is a benign tumor of the blood vessels. There are different types of hemangioma – the most common are capillary hemangioma and cavernous hemangioma.

Most often, a hemangioma manifests itself in the form of a bright red spot or a bluish-reddish nodule of additional blood vessels in the skin. The hemangioma grows within the first year of life and gets smaller again over time. A hemangioma is usually benign and not associated with any medical complications. In most cases, a hemangioma does not require treatment. By the age of 10, the largest traces of the birthmark have usually disappeared.

causes

The causes of hemangiomas are still unknown. However, several studies have supported the assumption that the proliferation and enlargement of the erythema is linked to the hormone estrogen .The connection of soft tissue with the increased circulation of estrogen also came up in a study by the Stanford Research Center for Pediatric Surgery. Another theory from researchers at Harvard University states that the mother’s placenta cuts off certain regions of the skin tissue from the blood supply during pregnancy and thus causes the formation of the hemangioma.

Other results assume a genetic condition in the mother ‘s DNA that leads to the birthmark. More research is needed to explain the sudden onset and rapid growth of hemangiomas. This is the only way to achieve improved methods of treating the complicated appearance of haemangiomas.

When to the doctor?

Hemangiomas in newborns or children usually regress. At the latest after the age of nine, these have disappeared again, so a doctor’s visit is not necessary. Extremely large, very flat forms can, however, give rise to treatment, as they negatively affect the pumping capacity of the heart . In general, small blood sponges do not pose a serious threat to human health if they only appear superficially on the skin. However, outpatient removal surgery is possible under certain conditions.

If the hemangiomas are in unfavorable places, they can suffer injuries from mechanical irritation in everyday life. Blood sponges do not form a protective layer of skin afterwards, but only a blood crust. If the wound is too large, real plugs form, which continue to grow unabated for weeks. Patients should consult a dermatologist in this case. For many of those affected, small hemangiomas primarily mean an aesthetic impairment, especially on the face. In the presence of hemangiomatosis, the massive occurrence of red nodules, the psychological suffering of patients is also greatly increased.

However, if blood sponges occur inside the body, health complications can develop. Sudden loss of vision due to a blood sponge in the eye requires medical intervention. An infestation of the liver often remains without further symptoms. If the diameter exceeds 5 cm, these can trigger unexplained seizures such as upper abdominal pain , bleeding and general weakness. In principle, it is advisable to consult a doctor if you have these symptoms in order to clarify the exact circumstances of the disease. Because of the unspecific symptoms depending on the localization, the hemangioma on organs is usually an incidental finding after other causes have been ruled out.

symptoms and course

Hemangiomas are associated with the bloodstream. Appearance depends on where it occurs. When they appear on the skin’s surface, they resemble a ripe strawberry. When they spread below the surface, they only appear as a bluish swelling . Rarely, hemangiomas also grow on internal organs, eg on the liver or on the larynx. In most cases, a hemangioma regresses. Rarely, they form during pregnancy. Most grow within the first few weeks of life. At first, a hemangioma is often mistaken for a swelling or a bruise ( hematoma ). However, the correct diagnosis becomes more obvious as the hemangioma continues to grow.

Diagnose

To diagnose a hemangioma, the doctor will ask about the child’s medical history and perform a physical exam. Most cases of superficial hemangiomas are obvious and easy to spot. However, if there is doubt about the clear diagnosis – especially in the case of deeper lying hemangiomas – further diagnostic methods are used. These may include: Computed tomography : This method takes pictures of the inside of the body to better analyze the hemangioma and surrounding tissue. Magnetic resonance tomography ( MRT ): This procedure – with strong electronic magnets – can also be used to carry out more detailed analyzes of the inside of the body. Angiography: This uses a contrast agentinjected into the veins in order to be able to get a better picture of the surrounding vessels via X-rays .

complications

Whether or not a hemangioma causes complications depends on its size and how quickly it grows. If its growth progresses rapidly, the risk of consequences increases. The body position of the blood sponge also plays an important role. If a larger hemangioma grows near the eye, it is possible for the blood sponge to put pressure on the eyeball. As a result, there may be deformation and myopiacome. If the hemangioma displaces the eyeball from its original position, the affected child will squint. Because the brain suppresses the disturbing images, the body structures responsible for vision do not develop correctly. In such cases, there is a risk of unilateral functional blindness, which persists even when the hemangioma recedes.

If the hemangioma grows near the mouth, deformation of the lips is conceivable. This makes it difficult for the affected child to drink. In addition, anomalies can occur in the position of the teeth and in the lower jaw. In some cases, a hemangioma near the nose causes breathing difficulties. Destruction of the nasal cartilage is possible due to the displacing growth. In smaller babies, extensive blood sponges sometimes cause circulatory problems. Not infrequently, hemangiomas also lead to psychological stress, which affects not only the child but also its parents. Furthermore, abrasions in the diaper area are possible, which promotes infections, bleeding or the formation of scars.

treatment and therapy

In most cases, hemangiomas do not require any medical treatment. In addition, the treatment of a hemangioma is controversial. Many parents fear physical disfigurement of the child and psychological problems that will accompany it.

However, doctors refrain from treating a hemangioma in most cases because it is likely to go away on its own and because treatment can have unwanted side effects. If the hemangioma is affecting the child’s vision or other health effects, the following treatments may be considered: Laser surgery: Lasers can stop the hemangioma from growing.

In some cases, lasers can completely remove a hemangioma or treat wounds on a hemangioma that won’t heal. However, the risks of this treatment are serious and include pain, infection, bleeding, scarring , and discoloration of the skin. Medications: Corticosteroid can be injected or taken by mouth. This treatment is most effective during the growth phase of the hemangioma.The drug can stop, and in some cases reverse, the growth of erythema. Longer and repeated application may be necessary. Again, the risks are serious and can include: decreased growth, high blood sugar , high blood pressure , and deterioration in vision.

The advantages and disadvantages of a treatment should be carefully weighed and discussed with the doctor. It should also be considered that the hemangioma can regress on its own.

prevention

There is no targeted prevention to avoid a hemangioma. However, the risk of developing a hemangioma is much higher in premature babies. To reduce the risk of premature birth and hemangioma in a newborn, the doctor’s instructions should be followed during pregnancy.