They don’t cause problems in most infants. However, some hemangiomas may open and bleed or ulcerate. This may be painful. Depending on their size and location, they may be disfiguring. Additionally, they may occur with other abnormalities of the central nervous system or spine.

The growths may also occur with other internal hemangiomas. These affect internal organs such as the liver, other parts of the gastrointestinal system, the brain, or organs of the respiratory system. The hemangiomas that affect organs usually don’t cause problems.

On the skin

Hemangiomas of the skin develop when there is an abnormal proliferation of blood vessels in one area of the body. Experts aren’t sure why blood vessels group together like this, but they believe it’s caused by certain proteins produced in the placenta during gestation (the time when you’re in the womb).

Hemangiomas of the skin can form on the top layer of skin or on the fatty layer underneath, called the subcutaneous layer. At first, a hemangioma may appear to be a red birthmark on the skin. Slowly, it will start to protrude upward from the skin.

On the liver

Hemangiomas of the liver form in and on the liver’s surface. These hemangiomas are thought to be sensitive to estrogen. During menopause, many women are prescribed replacement estrogen to minimize symptoms caused by the decline of their natural estrogen levels. This excess estrogen can spur the growth of liver hemangiomas. Similarly, pregnancy and sometimes oral contraceptive pills can increase the size of hemangiomas.

Besides the skin and liver, hemangiomas can grow on other areas within the body, such as the:

• kidneys
• lungs
• colon
• brain

Hemangiomas that grow in the brain cavities or other cavities within the body are called cavernous hemangiomas.

Hemangiomas inside the body usually go unnoticed until they grow large or until multiple hemangiomas form. Some symptoms that indicate you might have an internal hemangioma include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal discomfort
• loss of appetite
• unexplained weight loss
• a feeling of fullness in the abdomen

Treatments:

A single, small hemangioma usually requires no treatment. It will likely go away on its own. However, some cases require treatment, such as skin hemangiomas that develop lesions or sores.

1. Corticosteroid medication
2. Beta-blockers
3. Laser treatment
4. Medicated gel
5. Surgery

For hemangiomas on the organs

Hemangiomas within the body may require treatment if they grow too large or cause pain. Treatment options for these hemangiomas include:

• surgical removal of the hemangioma
• surgical removal of the damaged organ or damaged area
• tying off of the main artery that supplies blood to the hemangiomas