Vascular Tumors at North Austin Campus

A vascular tumor is a collection (mass) of endothelial cells. Endothelial cells are cells that make up the walls of blood vessels. The most common vascular tumors in the face are infantile hemangiomas, congenital hemangiomas, and pyogenic granulomas.

• Infantile hemangioma: this is the most common type of vascular tumor in children. It is benign. It is usually not present at birth, and it usually appears around 2-3 weeks of age. It tends to grow in the first year of life (proliferation), then starts to shrink over a period of several years (involution). Depending on size and location, an infantile hemangioma may or may not disappear after involution. In some situations, treatment is necessary during the growth (proliferation) phase to slow down or shrink the hemangioma. The most common treatments include propranolol (an oral medication) or timolol (a topical medication). In hemangiomas that have not completely disappeared (involuted), surgery can be performed to remove the hemangioma.
• Congenital hemangioma: Like an infantile hemangioma, a congenital hemangioma is benign. However, a congenital hemangioma is present and fully grown at birth. After birth, it may shrink rapidly (rapidly-involuting congenital hemangioma, or RICH), or it may stay the same (non-involuting congenital hemangioma, or NICH). Sometimes, a RICH may be associated with low blood platelet counts, so it is important to follow-up with a physician who is familiar with these lesions.
• Pyogenic granuloma: these benign lesions commonly occur on children’s faces. They often appear pedunculated (have a stalk). These lesions tend to bleed profusely when irritated, and usually require surgery to remove.