What do you know about neonatal hemangioma?

A newborn hematoma is an overgrowth of blood vessels. Although it sounds scary, but in fact this disease does not affect much your baby's health.

Some parents feel panic when their child's skin appears a large red mark similar to a burn. In fact, this phenomenon is called neonatal hemangioma and is also common. In the following article, aFamilyToday Health will introduce about neonatal hemangioma and appropriate treatment.

What is a newborn blood tumor?

A newborn hematoma is the growth of blood vessels but not related to cancer. This condition can develop over a period of time, then subside without the need for overly complicated treatment.

Blood tumors in babies rarely cause problems. However, some blood lumps can crack, bleed or even sores, causing pain for your baby. Also, depending on the size and location, the tumor is likely to become deformed. In addition, hemangiomas sometimes occur with symptoms on the central nervous system or spine.

Vascular tumors can still develop inside a baby's body. They will affect internal organs such as the liver, other parts of the digestive system, the brain or organs of the respiratory system.

However, do not worry too much because the tumor does not affect internal function. In addition, a newborn's hemangioma will not spread to other parts of the body and to others.

How does a baby's blood tumor develop?

There are 2 directions in which the hemangioma will develop, they include:

Blood tumors on the skin

A newborn hematoma in the skin is an abnormal accumulation of blood vessels above or below the skin's surface. A hematoma that looks like an alcohol-red or strawberry-colored birthmark and may protrude from the skin. Blood tumors appear most often on the face, neck, and behind the ears.

Cell growth in the outermost layers of the skin is called capillary hemangioma, while the deep nodules are called cavernous hemangiomas. Capillary hemangiomas usually don't need treatment, but cavernous hemangiomas require medical intervention if they interfere with a baby's vision or breathing.

Blood tumors on the skin usually develop during the baby baby's unborn baby. They can affect both boys and girls.

Blood tumors on the liver

Blood tumors in the liver in a newborn form in and on the surface of the liver. These nodules are thought to be sensitive to estrogen. Pregnancy and birth control pills can increase the size of the blood tumor in the baby's liver.

Subjects at risk

Blood tumors are common in newborn babies with the following conditions:

Preterm birth

Pregnant mother with multiple pregnancies

Have a low birth weight

A baby can have many blood lumps. This does not mean that your baby is at risk for other health problems.

Treatment of hematoma in newborns

Small, single nodules usually do not require treatment. It will probably go away on its own. However, some cases require medical intervention, for example, a hemangioma develops into a lesion or an ulcer. Treatment options include:

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids may be injected into the tumor to reduce its growth and prevent inflammation from occurring.

Surgery: If a baby's hematoma becomes large or develops in a sensitive area, such as the eye, the doctor may remove it surgically.

Laser treatment: Laser treatment is used to remove blood tumors. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend laser treatments to reduce redness and speed recovery.

Beta blockers: Topical beta blockers such as timolol gel can be used several times a day for 6-12 months for small vascular tumors, located on the skin's surface. This medicine is generally considered safe for babies.

Medicinal gel: A medicinal gel called becaplermin (Regranex) is commonly used to treat ulcers on the skin's surface caused by blood tumors, but this gel is actually not effective on the hemangioma itself. The product is also used as a second treatment when other treatments have failed. On the other hand, gel pills have the potential to cause death if used repeatedly for long periods of time. Therefore, discuss these risks carefully with your doctor.

For haematoma located in internal organs

Usually, a hematoma will go away on its own when a baby is 10 years old without treatment. However, the doctor will take the necessary measures if:

Frequent and frequent bleeding nodules

Put pressure on your baby's cardiovascular system

The tumor disrupts the epidermis that surrounds it

Reduce air flow through your nose or mouth

Blood nodules block vision or interfere with eye movement.

Blood tumors in the body may require treatment if they grow too large or cause pain. Treatment options for this include:

Surgery to remove the malignant tumor

Surgery to remove the main artery that supplies blood to the hematoma

Surgery to remove damaged internal organs or severely affected area.

Sometimes, people will be curious about the baby's hemangioma. You can explain to them that it is just a birthmark to simplify the problem. Once a baby's hematoma disappears on its own, it can leave some stretch marks on the skin and you will need some measures such as using a cream to help your baby with the problem.