Large infantile haemangioma of the cheek: A case report

Infantile haemangiomas (IH) or Strawberry naevi as were previously called are common neoplasms of childhood. The tendency to spontaneously involute differentiates this tumour from other vascular neoplasms. Though many treatment modalities have been described with advances in understanding of tumour pathology, it has been consistently found that minimal intervention under watchful observation offers the best chance of getting the best result in the long term. Though parents are extremely nervous, seeing the grotesque nature of these tumours, patient, firm counselling and reassurance is all that is required in most cases for successful management.

Infantile haemangioma: 5-year experience at the vascular anomaly clinic

Background Infantile haemangiomas (IH) represent a common benign vascular tumour affecting the paediatric population. Infantile haemangiomas are characterised by a natural history differentiating it from other vascular anomalies. After a transient proliferative phase in early infancy, the tumour passes through a plateau phase before going into spontaneous involution. In this report, we tried to share our experience over the last 5 years in managing cases presenting with IH at a specialised vascular anomaly clinic. Main body of abstract This report included cases of IH who were attending the vascular anomaly clinic during the period 2015 through 2019. Data of all patients attending the clinic were retrospectively examined. Files of 103 cases with IH were available for review. The diagnosis of IH was usually straight forward owing to the typical history and characteristic findings at clinical examination. A significant female predominance was noticed. Generally, IH were more common in the head and neck region (70%). Active intervention was necessary in specific situations (eye occlusion, airway involvement, large lesions with skin ulcerations). Whenever intervention proved to be necessary, propranolol was chosen as the first line of treatment with a favourable response detected in about 90% of cases. Surgery was still a valid option (6%) for lesions amenable to resection; however, we must put in consideration that most lesions will spontaneously regress. Conclusion Infantile haemangiomas are common benign vascular tumours of infancy with relatively few complications. Cosmesis is a major concern especially for lesions affecting the face. Propranolol can induce tumour regression in most cases, and generally, a favourable outcome can be anticipated.