Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Hemangioma in a Single Institution

Chung, Sun Hee; Park, Dong Hyuk; Shim, Jae Won; Kim, Duk Soo; Shim, Jung Yeon; Park, Moon Soo; Jung, Hye Lim; Koo, Hong Hoe

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of childhood. Uncertainties regarding their diagnosis or management often prompt life- or function-threatening complications or unnecessary treatment. The objective of this study is to analyze and understand the clinical features and treatment outcomes of hemangiomas for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 60 patients diagnosed as hemangioma in Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from January 2001 to January 2011 was performed.
RESULTS
Hemangiomas were observed predominantly in female with the sex ratio of 1:2.2. They were present at birth in 32%, and within 2 months of age in 22% of the patients. In 45% of the patients, hemangiomas occurred on the head and neck, which were the most commonly involved site. 27% of the cases were clinically diagnosed, 40% of the cases were diagnosed after imaging studies, and 37% of cases were confirmed by histopathology. 40% of the patients were observed without treatment. 57% of the patients were treated with surgical excision, corticosteroid, interferon or propranolol. Eight patients were treated with oral propranolol, and seven of them demonstrated regression without major side effects.
CONCLUSION
We confirmed that hemangiomas were preponderant in female and usually appeared in first 2 months of life, and the head and neck were the most favored site. We observed that propranolol was effective and safe for treating problematic infantile hemangiomas.