Hemangiomas are a type of vascular skin growth that can occur at birth or anytime throughout life. These are a type of birthmark – about 10% of babies are born with hemangiomas – but they can also appear later in life. There are different types of hemangiomas, and most do not pose any health risks, but they can be disfiguring or cosmetically undesirable. At MJR Dermatology, our experienced dermatologist, Dr. Matthew Reschly, performs hemangioma treatment at our medical center in Lawrenceville, GA.
What Is a Hemangioma?
Hemangiomas are non-cancerous tumors that are comprised of a cluster of blood vessels. The cells in the walls of the blood vessels divide and multiply quickly, creating a swollen growth within the skin. The most common types of hemangiomas are capillary in nature, occurring in the top layers of skin. Strawberry or infantile hemangiomas affect children and are common birthmarks that usually fade away on their own during childhood. Cherry hemangiomas are another capillary type that generally affects older adults.
Cavernous hemangiomas are another type of skin tumor that usually occurs around the eyes in the deeper layers of skin. These growths appear as a collection of blood vessels and may be on the eyelid or within the eye – they can affect vision if not treated.
Removal of Hemangiomas
Strawberry hemangiomas in infants tend to fade away by the time they are 10 years of age. Unless the birthmark is disfiguring, most infantile hemangiomas are not removed. They do not pose a health risk but they can be removed with laser skin treatments if the individual wants the hemangioma gone.
Cherry hemangiomas appear as small red lumps, usually in adults over 30 years of age. These small tumors are very common in older age – it is estimated that about three out of four adults over the age of 75 have these growths. Cherry hemangiomas usually appear on the torso and do not pose a health risk, but they may be uncomfortable or aesthetically displeasing. These growths can be removed with laser treatment, cryotherapy or electrodesiccation.
If your child has a hemangioma that is disfiguring or you have cherry hemangiomas you want removed, contact our team at MJR Dermatology. We offer hemangioma treatment for children and adults at our center in Lawrenceville, GA. Call our team to schedule your appointment with Dr. Reschly at our office in North Atlanta.