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El Oueslati Kaissar MG-ENG-6Y-GRP6 Hemangioma

The document provides an overview of hemangiomas, which are benign vascular tumors affecting up to 10% of newborns. It discusses the pathophysiology, causes, types, diagnosis and treatment of hemangiomas. The pathophysiology involves genetic, environmental and hormonal factors, and hemangiomas can be classified as infantile or congenital types depending on their growth patterns. Diagnosis is usually clinical but imaging may be used, and treatment depends on factors like age, location and risk of complications.

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17 views3 pages

El Oueslati Kaissar MG-ENG-6Y-GRP6 Hemangioma

The document provides an overview of hemangiomas, which are benign vascular tumors affecting up to 10% of newborns. It discusses the pathophysiology, causes, types, diagnosis and treatment of hemangiomas. The pathophysiology involves genetic, environmental and hormonal factors, and hemangiomas can be classified as infantile or congenital types depending on their growth patterns. Diagnosis is usually clinical but imaging may be used, and treatment depends on factors like age, location and risk of complications.

Uploaded by

kais
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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El Oueslati Kaissar

MG-ENG-6Y-GRP6

Hemangioma

Hemangioma: Overview, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Hemangiomas are the most common benign vascular tumors of infancy, affecting up to 10% of
newborns. They are characterized by an abnormal proliferation of blood vessels in the skin or
internal organs. Hemangiomas typically appear as red or purple, raised, and rubbery nodules on the
skin, which can be either solitary or multiple. Although most hemangiomas are self-limited and
regress spontaneously, some cases can cause complications, such as ulceration, bleeding, pain,
functional impairment, and disfigurement. This presentation will provide an overview of the
pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of hemangiomas, with a focus on the current evidence-
based guidelines.

Pathophysiology

The pathogenesis of hemangiomas is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a


combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Recent studies have identified several
genes that may contribute to the development of hemangiomas, including genes involved in
angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and inflammation. Environmental factors, such as hypoxia, trauma,
or infection, may trigger the initial growth of the lesion. Hormonal factors, such as estrogen or
progesterone, have been implicated in the growth and regression of hemangiomas, as they can
modulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other angiogenic factors.

Hemangiomas can be classified into two main types based on their morphological features: infantile
hemangiomas (IH) and congenital hemangiomas (CH). IHs are the most common type, and they
usually appear within the first weeks of life, grow rapidly during the first year, and then involute
over several years, leaving a residual fibrofatty tissue. CHs, on the other hand, are fully formed at
birth, have a stable size and appearance, and rarely regress. CHs can be further classified into
rapidly involuting congenital hemangiomas (RICHs) and non-involuting congenital hemangiomas
(NICHs), depending on their growth patterns.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of hemangiomas is usually based on the clinical presentation, which includes the age
of onset, location, size, shape, color, and associated symptoms. Hemangiomas can be superficial,
deep, or mixed, and can involve any part of the body, although they are more common in the head
and neck region. Superficial hemangiomas appear as red or purple, raised, and well-circumscribed
lesions on the skin, while deep hemangiomas can manifest as bluish or purplish masses that extend
into the subcutaneous tissue or muscle. Mixed hemangiomas have features of both superficial and
deep components.

Although the clinical diagnosis of hemangiomas is usually straightforward, imaging studies may be
necessary in certain cases to evaluate the extent of the lesion, the involvement of internal organs, or
the presence of associated anomalies. Ultrasonography is the first-line imaging modality for
superficial hemangiomas, as it can provide detailed information on the size, depth, and vascularity
of the lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred for deep or large hemangiomas, as it
can accurately delineate the extent of the lesion and its relation to adjacent structures. Computed
tomography (CT) is rarely used in the diagnosis of hemangiomas due to its lower soft tissue
resolution and ionizing radiation exposure.

Treatment
The management of hemangiomas depends on several factors, including the age of the patient, the
location and size of the lesion, the presence of associated symptoms, and the risk of complications.
Treatment options for hemangiomas include observation, topical agents, systemic medications, and
interventional procedures.

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