Overview of the Head and Neck Hemangiomas: a 5-year Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are benign vascular tumors commonly observed in children. The pathogenesis of hemangiomas is complex and poorly understood. IH occur most commonly on the head and neck. There are different classification of them according to the depth, number, distribution and locations. A multidisciplinary approach is needed for the diagnosis and treatment of hemangiomas because it is easy to misdiagnose or decide on a wrong treatment in the existing single-treatment system. OBJECTIVE: In this retrospective study between 2018 and 2022 we provided an overview of the hemangiomas located in the head and neck in 232 patients, and the different treatment approaches used. RESULTS: Of the 232 patients 60.3 % were females and 38.7% males. The youngest age was 10 weeks old and the oldest age who underwent treatment was 79 years old. The most common lesion sites were the mid-cheek, the upper lip and the upper eyelid. 104 patients (53.4 %) underwent surgical intervention due to the location of the lesion, size and functional reasons. Meanwhile 128 patients (46.6 %) were observed and treated with propranolol and pulsed dye laser. CONCLUSION: Hemangiomas are generally benign tumors. Hemangiomas present a number of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges; thus, early diagnosis by a specialist clinic is key in preventing associated morbidity with these vascular tumors.