Hemangioma Directory
A hemangioma is a abnormal collection of blood vessels that occur most frequently in the skin. These blood vessels can resemble a birthmark. Types include strawberry hemangiomas, which usually disappear during childhood, cavernous hemangiomas, port wine stains, and salmon patches. These all get their red color from the collection of blood vessels that form them. Many of these types disappear on their own over time. For permanent hemangiomas, some treatments include cosmetics used to conceal them, cortisone, and propranalol. A pulsed dye laser may treat port wine stains. Other treatments may also be helpful. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about what causes a hemangioma, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
Slideshows & Images
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Picture of Hemangioma
Hemangiomas occur in a variety of sizes, locations, and degrees of combination of capillaries, larger vessels, and venous lakes. The hemangioma pictured here is of the simplest sort. It is limited, superficial, and largely capillary. Lesions of this sort tend to increase in size for a period of time and then to involute partially or totally. Most often, the best cosmetic result is achieved by allowing this spontaneous process to run its course.
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Picture of Hemangioma after Laser Treatment
Marked lightening and flattening of the hemangioma after multiple pulsed dye laser treatments.
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Picture of Strawberry Hemangiomas
Strawberry hemangiomas (also called strawberry mark, nevus vascularis, capillary hemangioma, hemangioma simplex) may appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, scalp, back, or chest.
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Picture of Salmon Patches
Salmon patches (also called stork bites) appear on 30%-50% of newborn babies. These marks are small blood vessels (capillaries) that are visible through the skin.