Best Doctors For Hemangioma Treatment in Mumbai

A hemangioma, commonly known as a ‘strawberry mark’, is a benign vascular tumour appearing on the skin as a bright red mark. The exact causes of hemangiomas are not fully understood; they typically manifest at birth or within the first or second week of life. A hemangioma presents as a rubbery bump composed of excessive blood vessels within the skin. While hemangiomas can develop anywhere on the body, they are most frequently observed on the face, back, chest, or scalp.

Mumbai boasts some of the best doctors for hemangioma treatment capable of effectively managing this condition. At Apollo Hospitals Mumbai, a team of experienced specialists in hemangioma treatment focuses on providing comprehensive care and treatment for the disease.

Types/Stages of Hemangioma

Hemangiomas can be classified into different types based on their appearance and the location in which they develop:

• Infantile Hemangiomas: They grow rapidly during infancy and then slowly regress over time.

• Congenital Hemangiomas: These are present at birth and are fully formed. Unlike infantile hemangiomas, they do not grow after birth.

• Capillary Hemangiomas: These are located on the skin's surface and are characterised by their bright red colour. They consist of small blood vessels known as capillaries.

• Cavernous Hemangiomas: These occur deeper in the skin and appear as a bluish lump. They are composed of larger blood vessels called caverns.

  Symptoms of Hemangioma

The symptoms of hemangiomas vary depending on their type and stage of development:

• A red or bright red lesion that develops during the first few weeks of life

• Rapid growth of the lesion over the first six months

• A lesion that slowly begins to fade

• Larger hemangiomas can ulcerate or bleed, leading to pain or discomfort

Tests to Diagnose Hemangioma

The best doctors for hemangioma treatment diagnose the condition through several tests, including:

• A physical examination: The specialist in hemangioma treatment checks the size, location, and appearance of the hemangioma.

• An ultrasound or MRI: These are often employed to visualise hemangiomas that are deeper within the skin or located in internal organs.

• A skin biopsy: This is rarely needed but may be performed in certain cases to confirm the diagnosis of hemangioma and to rule out other skin conditions or tumours.

• Angiography: This imaging procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into blood vessels to highlight the blood flow through the hemangioma.

  Treatment or Surgery Options for Hemangioma at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai

The treatment for hemangiomas depends largely on the type and location. The team of doctors specialising in hemangioma treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai offer the following options:

• Observation: Most hemangiomas resolve on their own and the doctor may just recommend close monitoring.

• Medical treatment: Propranolol or steroids may be prescribed to reduce the size of hemangiomas, particularly in infants or cases where rapid shrinkage is needed.

• Laser surgery: This may be recommended to remove hemangiomas causing functional problems. The procedure helps reduce the prominence, size and colour of the hemangioma.

• Traditional surgery: In some cases, surgery may be suggested to remove deeper hemangiomas or those that do not respond to other treatments.