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Alternative names Return to top
Birthmark excisionDefinition Return to top
A hemangioma is a non-cancerous blood vessel growth. Excision is surgery to remove it.Description Return to top
While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), the hemangioma is removed. If the hemangioma was large, the site may be covered with a skin graft.Indications Return to top
Hemangiomas are the most common benign (non-cancerous) blood vessel growths in infants and children. Most go away with time, and occasionally with medication.
Large hemangiomas that cause symptoms or are disfiguring may require surgical excision. Alternatively, laser treatment may be an option if the hemangioma is superficial. Some liver hemangiomas are treated by blocking their feeding arteries (embolization).
Risks Return to top
The risks for any anesthesia are:Expectations after surgery Return to top
Cosmetic improvements depend on the size and location of the lesion and the surgeon's skill. Generally, the long-term outlook is quite good.Convalescence Return to top
The hospital stay will depend on the extent of surgery. Complete healing may take up to 6 weeks. Update Date: 11/6/2003 Updated by: Grace Jeon, M.D., M.P.H., General Surgeon, Pasadena, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |