Clinic of Dermatology

What does hemangioma mean?

Hemangiomas are common benign tumors of the vascular endothelium. Childhood hemangiomas are the most common soft tissue tumors of infancy occurring in 10%-12% of the children younger than 1 year of age. Fewer than 20% of hemangiomas are present at birth, while 80% - 90% appear within the first 4 weeks. They are characterized by initial rapid proliferative phase and later involutional phase with a probability of reducing the size of the hemangioma.

Despite the benign nature of hemangiomas, complications may arise during the proliferative phase. Usual problems include painful ulceraton on the buttocks area, infections, bleeding or functional disturbances, when located in the zone of the eyes, nose, mouth and ear canal. Lesions located on the face are cosmetically disfiguring and cause psychological discomfort in both children and their parents. Kids become irritable, feed poorly, show disturbed sleeping patterns and their general condition deteriorates. That makes the visit to a dermatologist crucial, who sends the patient to perform the necessary tests and sets up an individual therapeutic plan in accordance with the type, location, size, depth, developmental stage of the hemangioma and its complications, etc.

The Department of Dermatology documents the clinical findings using the method of photography on each visit and if necessary performs ultrasonography for observing details or CT scan - in critical cases.

What is the management of hemangiomas?

The management of hemangiomas changed dramatically in the recent years. Methods like surgery, corticosteroid injections and liquid nitrogen are considered historical and ineffective, and too aggressive leading to severe scarring and cosmetic disfigurement.

The advance in laser technologies in the recent years led to a revolution in the management of hemangiomas. Numerous clinical observations on different types of hemangiomas and their successful management imposes a combination of two technologies as most effective:

• Intense pulsed light (IPL).
• Nd:YAG laser.

The combination is effective for superficial, deep and extensive hemangiomas and for those, who failed to respond to other therapeutic modalities. Sophisticated laser systems, applied by excellent dermatologists, that received training in leading European clinics turn our clinic into a center for modern treatment and follow-up of hemangioma patients from all ages.

How do lasers work in vascular lesions?

The method is based on selective light absorbtion by hemoglobin in the blood – selective photothermolysis.

How are the procedures performed?

Local or general anaesthesia is applied in accordance with the patient’s age and the size of the lesion.

What are the contraindications for laser therapy?

• Pregnancy.
• Photosensitizing drugs (tetracycline, doxycycline).
• Predisposition for elevated scars.
• Herpes infection.
• Epilepsy and other neurologic disorders.