Congenital hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor that begins forming before birth and is fully formed when the baby is born. They're usually on the skin but can be in another organ. A congenital hemangioma may occur as a rash of purple spots and the skin around the spot may be lighter.

There are three types of congenital hemangiomas:

• Rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma: These tumors go away on their own 12 to 15 months after birth. They can form ulcers, bleed, and cause temporary heart and blood clotting problems. The skin may look a little different even after the hemangiomas go away.
• Partial involuting congenital hemangioma: These tumors do not go away completely.
• Non-involuting congenital hemangioma: These tumors never go away on their own.

Diagnostic Tests

See childhood vascular tumors for a description of tests and procedures, such as ultrasound, used to diagnose congenital hemangioma.

Treatment

Treatment of rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma and partial involuting congenital hemangioma may include the following:

• Observation only.

Treatment of non-involuting congenital hemangioma may include the following:

• Surgery to remove the tumor, depending on where it is and whether it is causing symptoms.