Surgical excision of an ulcerating post-auricular infantile hemangioma with refractory hemorrhage

Abstract

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common childhood tumor and most frequently appear in the head and neck. Beta-blockers like propranolol have become the standard therapy for hemangiomas and consequently surgical management is becoming increasingly rare. In this report we present the case of an ulcerating post-auricular hemangioma resulting in acute blood loss and requiring urgent surgery for hemorrhage control. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of infantile hemangiomas as progression to ulceration can lead to refractory bleeding needing urgent intervention.