Hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor very common in children.
In spite of its benign nature, Hemangioma may develop into malignant tumor.Even tiny vascular tumors in infants may reach huge sizes. Though there is a possibility of self-recovery, generally the course of this disease is unpredictable.
Simple Hemangioma is red or purple in color, well-defined and located on the surface of the skin. It grows predominantly from under its sides and affects the skin and several millimeters of subcutaneous fat. The surface of Hemangioma is usually smooth, though sometimes it could be uneven or bulging. When pressed, Hemangioma turns pale but later restores its color.
Cavernous hemangioma is located under skin in a form of a circumscribed nod. It looks like a tumor covered with bluish or unaltered skin at the top. When pressed, Hemangioma recedes and turns pale (resulting from blood outflow).
Mixed Hemangioma represents combination of surface (simple) and subcutaneous (cavernous) Hemangioma.
Mixed Hemangioma consists of tumor cells originating from vessels and other tissues. The appearance, color and consistency of Hemangioma depend on the tissues the tumor consists of.