[Medical Q&A] Does hemangioma require treatment?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Shao Zengwu, Chief Physician and Professor of Union Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Hemangioma is a benign tumor formed by the abnormal growth of normal blood vessels. It usually occurs in childhood or adolescence, grows slowly, and rarely becomes malignant. Hemangiomas can be divided into capillary hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, mixed hemangiomas, and racemose hemangiomas. Capillary hemangiomas are also known as port-wine stains, which are relatively common in clinical practice and appear as light, red marks. Cavernous hemangiomas are located subcutaneously, have a relatively soft texture, and a relatively wide range, and can invade the muscular layer. Mixed hemangiomas are a mixture of cavernous hemangiomas and capillary hemangiomas. Racemose hemangiomas are vascular developmental malformations.

Asymptomatic hemangiomas can be followed up for observation, and those with pain can be treated with comprehensive treatment. Current treatments include surgical resection, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, sclerotherapy injection, etc. Small or well-defined hemangiomas can be surgically removed, but they are prone to recurrence. Some intramuscular hemangiomas are invasive and difficult to remove unless radical surgery is performed.