Hemangioma Newsline

Providing Medical Information for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Birthmarks

HEMANGIOMAS

Hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of infants. They are usually apparent at birth but become evident within the first two weeks.
Hemangiomas occur in 5-10 % of all children and three times more often in females then males.
Hemangiomas occurs more often in Caucasian infants then in African American infants.
They occur more often in premature infants.
Hemangioma will grow for the first 8-12 months of life.
Growth can be prolific and may appear to change daily.
Hemangiomas will begin to regress or involute around 12 months of age. This process may take up to 10-12 years leaving residual scarring.

HEMANGIOMA TYPES;

SUPERFICIAL- located in the upper layers of the skin

MIXED- located in the upper and lower layers of the skin or internal organs

DEEP- located in deep tissue layers, muscle or internal organs.

70 % of all Hemangiomas occur on the head and neck but they may occur anywhere including the internal organs like, the brain, liver, lungs, kidneys and GI tract.

VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS

Vascular Malformations are always present at birth but may not be evident until later on in life.
Vascular Malformations enlarge as the child grows without a prolific growth period. Growth may not occur until adulthood.
Vascular Malformations do not regress or involute spontaneously.
Vascular Malformations are often misdiagnosed as Hemangioma.
Vascular Malformations usually cannot be totally eradicated.

TYPES:

Capillary - Port Wine Stain
Venous - frequently mislabeled a cavernous hemangioma
Arteriovenous - usually involves internal organs, the most difficult to manage
Lymphatic - abnormalities of the lymphatic vessels and are usually apparent at birth, difficult to manage
Mixed - a combination of the above, may involve fast and slow flow vessels and shunting of blood flow

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations are treated differently.
Hemangioma - early diagnosis and evaluation of growth give best treatment options including steroid, laser, alpha-interferon, surgical excision.
Vascular Malformation - options include laser, surgical excision, embolization, scelerotherapy, and radiation

Evaluation of both Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations is essential for diagnosis and treatment,

Hemangioma Newsline has a complete list of multi-specialty clinics located in the United States specializing in Vascular Birthmarks.

RELATED SYNDROMES

Kasabach Merritt Syndrome
Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome
Parkes Webber Syndrome
Sturge Webber Syndrome
Hemorrahagic Telangiectasia
Von Hippel - Lindau

Hemangioma Newsline has specific information related to syndromes and complications.
A complete list of affiliated support groups is available upon request.

Hemangioma Newsline has a professional advisory board to assist the organization:

Dr. Sean Freeman - Charlotte, NC, Charlotte Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, Facial Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Low - Philadelphia, PA, Philadelphia Children's Hospital, Department of Plastic Surgery
Dr. Susan Mallory - Saint Louis, MO Saint Louis Children's Hospital, Director of Pediatric Dermatology
Dr. Martin Mihm - Albany, NY, Albany Medical Center, Director of Dermatology and Dermopathology
Dr. Joseph Morelli - Denver, CO, Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology
Dr. John Reinisch - Los Angeles, CA, Children's Hospital of LA, Chairman Department of Plastic Surgery
Dr. Milton Waner- Little Rock, AK, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Department of Otolarynogology
Dr. Denise Adams - Durham, NC, Duke University Medical Center, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Ms. Linda Shannon - Albany, NY, Medical Research Specialist, Writer, Albany Medical Center, The Hemangioma and Vascular Birthmark Foundation
Mrs. Karla Hall - Greensboro, NC, Medical Research Specialist, Founder Hemangioma Newsline
Mrs. Lillian DuBiel - Raliegh, NC, Family Support, Hemangioma Newslin

Hemangioma Newsline was established to provide families with vascular birthmarks the most recent medical information. Hemangioma Newsline is a part of a network of organizations supporting, treating and educating patients of their options in the management of Hemangioma and other vascular lesions.

Hemangioma Newsline publishes a quarterly newsletter. The Hemangioma Newsline, edited by Karla Hall. She is the mother of two children, one of whom was born with a mixed hemangioma located in the diaper area. The tumor ulcerated, bled and caused extreme pain. The Halls consulted several physicians before finding a physician that could help their daughter. The Hemangioma was operated on with two types of laser and ended 18 months of pain for the child.

Karla is a medical researcher, having worked in both clinical and pharmaceutical research. She resides with her husband and two daughters in Greensboro, NC.

Hemangioma Newsline does not promote one physician or treatment option, but does encourage early evaluation and treatment from a physician experienced in the management of vascular lesions. Write to Hemangioma Newsline for an annual subscription for $15.00.

Hemangioma Newsline
PO BOX 38264
Greensboro, NC 27438-8264