Hemangiomas

Hemangiomas are pretty common among newborns. Girls develop hemangiomas more often than boys do, as do twins, babies with light skin and premature babies with a low birth weight [sources: Children's Hospital Boston, Mayo Clinic]. But what causes hemangiomas to show up in the first place?

It turns out that researchers still aren't quite sure. Hemangiomas are one of those medical mysteries for which doctors haven't been able to determine a conclusive cause. No one has proven that hemangiomas are inherited genetically, but 10 percent of babies do have family members with vascular birthmarks [source: Children's Hospital Boston].

Even though there still isn't a definitive cause, there are a few things that can be ruled out. For example, when a baby develops a hemangioma, many new mothers probably wonder what they might have wrong while pregnant, but the answer to that question is nothing [source: Children's Hospital Boston]. No conclusive research has shown how a mother's actions during pregnancy affect whether her child is born with a hemangioma. There aren't any foods that have been shown to cause hemangiomas, and the same can also be said for medications taken during pregnancy [source: Cincinnati Children's].

There may be one situation beyond a mother's control that could have something to do with the formation of hemangiomas. Some studies have linked these growths to proteins or cells that move from the placenta to the baby [sources: Mayo Clinic, Hochman]. More extensive research still needs to be done before any conclusions are made, though.

Since doctors don't know exactly what causes hemangiomas, they're impossible to prevent and can be hard to treat. Most hemangiomas won't need treatment because they will go away on their own, but some will need medical attention. Even if a hemangioma doesn't require it, some doctors may recommend treatment for cosmetic purposes: The growths can become unsightly and might affect a child's psychological development. In addition, some parents may worry that their child is physically hurting as a result of the hemangioma.

Keep reading to find out whether hemangiomas are painful for babies.

Hemangiomas might look unsightly, but the large majority of them are completely harmless. Usually, you can touch them without making a baby cry, which should be a pretty good sign. Even though the growth itself might not be painful, some hemangiomas can cause complications, depending on where they develop. In extremely rare cases, they might even be life-threatening.

More than 80 percent of hemangiomas develop on the head and neck; the rest can pop up anywhere, including internally [source: Hochman]. If they grow in the wrong area, they can affect everything from your baby's sight to his breathing. For example, a hemangioma that develops on the eyelid can cause vision problems, and one that grows in or near the throat or mouth can cause difficulties with breathing, eating or speaking. Similarly, a hemangioma that develops on or near the ear might cause hearing problems.

In very rare cases, the lesion may develop inside the body and seriously affect an internal organ, such as the liver, intestines or brain [source: Vascular Birthmarks Foundation]. Hemangiomas have also been known to cause internal bleeding and heart problems. Again, such cases are very rare and occur in only about 1 percent of babies with hemangiomas [source: Children's Hospital Boston].

Ulcers are a common complication associated with hemangiomas. They tend to occur most often around the mouth and in the genital area and can usually be treated with topical medications [source: Children's Hospital Boston]. They don't usually bleed, but in the rare case that they do, simply applying pressure should keep it under control.

Even though most hemangiomas don't require treatment, medical attention may be required if one is causing complications or affecting a child's everyday life. What options are available for treatment?

Most hemangiomas won't require treatment, but there are several options available in case of any complications. From lasers to medication to plastic surgery, the treatments can do everything from reduce the size and appearance of a hemangioma to get rid of it completely.

Physicians' opinions vary on whether hemangiomas should be treated medically. Because the growths tend to go away on their own, many doctors prefer to do nothing unless there is a medical risk factor. Other doctors, however, recommend treating the growth as early as possible so the hemangioma doesn't get bigger and there is plenty of time for recovery [source: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology].

Laser treatments are one option for superficial hemangiomas. Laser treatments can reduce the lesion's red appearance, stop its growth, and possibly remove it completely [source: Mayo Clinic]. Some doctors prefer not to use laser treatments on hemangiomas, especially those that are still growing, because it can cause scarring and other negative side effects. However, in these cases, lasers may be used to treat marks left behind after the hemangiomas have disappeared on their own [sources: Cincinnati Children's, Children's Hospital Boston].

For cavernous or compound hemangiomas, medication such as corticosteroids may be injected or taken orally or topically. These drugs do well when the hemangioma is still growing, and in some cases have been known to show a difference in just a few weeks [sources: Mayo Clinic, Cincinnati Children's]. If the corticosteroids aren't working, newer treatments such as beta blockers or interferon alfa, a type of protein, might be considered [source: Mayo Clinic, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology]. Risks for steroids include irritability and swelling, and the risks for interferon may include fever, agitation and serious neurological problems.

If a hemangioma is potentially dangerous and isn't responding to laser treatment or medication, then surgery may be an option. Most doctors generally use it only as a last resort [source: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology]. Risks for surgery include bleeding, infection and scarring.

Because medical opinion varies and there is no one set course of action on how to best treat hemangiomas, the decision should be made on an individual basis.

Keep reading to learn even more information on hemangiomas.