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Hemangioma Information

Multiple Hemangiomas

Some infants have multiple (also referred to as multifocal) hemangiomas. The number of hemangiomas can be quite variable, ranging from a few to hundreds. In patients with numerous hemangiomas, the hemangiomas tend to be smaller in size. It is most common for hemangiomas to appear on the skin, but they can develop in internal organs as well. The liver is the most common internal site to be affected. This may be more common in children with greater than five hemangiomas. Evaluation for internal involvement includes physical examination and may include imaging studies or bloodwork depending on the individual child. Like hemangiomas on the skin, internal hemangiomas also grow during infancy and regress (go away) during childhood.

Most internal hemangiomas do not require treatment, but if symptoms are present or rapid growth is seen, treatment may be needed to slow growth and prevent complications.

 

This infant girl presented with numerous skin hemangiomas, and an enlarged liver with liver hemangiomas noted on ultrasound.  She was treated with oral propranolol with marked improvement of the skin hemangiomas, and resolution of the liver hemangiomas.