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Hemangioma - Overview

Alternative Names

Cavernous hemangioma; Strawberry nevus

Definition of Hemangioma:

A hemangioma is an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

About 30% of hemangiomas are present at birth. The rest appear in the first several months of life.

The hemangioma may be:

  • In the top skin layers (capillary hemangioma)
  • Deeper in the skin (cavernous hemangioma)
  • A mixture of both
  • Reviewed last on: 10/10/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Habif TP. Vascular tumors and malformations. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 23.

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