Overview
Hemangiomas are harmless growths that are the result of rapidly dividing cells of the blood vessel walls known as endothelial cells. They appear shortly after birth and grow rapidly during the first year of life. They usually resolve on their own over the next few years. Hemangiomas can be many different colors, depending on where they are located. Superficial hemangiomas (also known as strawberry hemangiomas, due to their red color) are located in the top layer of skin. Those in the deeper layer of skin are called deep (cavernous) hemangiomas, and they can be blue or colorless. Most hemangiomas are limited to the skin. Children with multiple hemangiomas may have associated internal lesions involving the liver, lungs, or other internal organs. These are more serious in nature and are usually followed more closely by your child's pediatrician.
