MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hemangioma excision

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Hemangioma excision

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Description	Indications Risks Expectations after surgery Convalescence

Illustrations

Hemangioma excision

Alternative names Return to top

Birthmark excision

Definition 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:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

The risks for any surgery are:

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring

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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