Diagnosis and management of infantile hemangiomas: Tremendous advances over the last 15 years

Abstract

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign vascular tumor in infants. Clinically, the lesion may have a superficial (red) and/or deep (flesh-colored–underlying bluish appearance) component and may be located in all areas of the body, including the mucosa. It is important to be familiar with this entity, given its frequency, in order to quickly reassure parents. This makes it easier to know when to refer the child to an expert Centre in order to introduce treatment, or when a syndromic form is suspected.

Most IH do not require treatment as they resolve spontaneously. Those at risk for significant sequelae must be treated. Until 2008 the first-line treatment was high-dose systemic corticosteroid. The French discovery of the spectacular efficacy of propranolol in preventing the growth of this tumor has changed the recommendations and propranolol is now proposed as the first-line treatment to be started as soon as possible.