72.1 Haemangioma

• Benign endothelial tumour

• Develops after birth

• Histologically, cell proliferation

• 60% involve head and neck with other sites including trunk and extremities

• First 6–8/12 rapid growth (proliferative phase)

• Begins to involute (slow phase)

• By 9 years of age most have involuted

• Majority do not require treatment

• Indications for treatment

Size

Ulceration

Disfigurement

Haematological compromise, e.g., Kasabach–Merritt syndrome

Cardiovascular compromise, e.g., high-output cardiac failure

Aerodigestive compromise

Large periorbital lesions—visual impairment

• Treatment options