Infantile hemangioma

Infantile hemangioma is a common type of benign tumor made up of extra blood vessels that usually appears on the skin of babies. It typically develops within the first few weeks of life and grows rapidly for several months before slowly shrinking over years. These growths mainly affect the skin and soft tissues, often appearing as a red or purple raised area. While most are harmless and cause no pain, some can interfere with important functions depending on their size and location, such as vision or breathing. The condition involves an abnormal buildup of blood vessel cells that form a dense cluster. Parents often notice the lesion becoming more prominent during the early months. The main health impact is cosmetic and, in rare cases, functional impairment.

Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor characterized by a rapid proliferation of capillary endothelial cells shortly after birth, followed by a slow involution phase. It arises due to abnormal angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, likely influenced by hypoxia-induced factors and genetic predisposition. These lesions are the most common tumors of infancy, predominantly involving the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Clinically, they present as well-demarcated, bright red or bluish nodules or plaques that enlarge during the proliferative phase. The major clinical significance lies in potential complications such as ulceration, bleeding, or impairment of vital structures depending on the lesion's location. Histologically, they show densely packed capillaries lined by plump endothelial cells. The natural history includes a proliferative phase followed by spontaneous involution over several years.