cavernous haemangioma

Last reviewed 07/2022

Cavernous haemangiomas are usually not present at birth but appear in the first two weeks of life. Lesions are usually on the face, neck or trunk and are well-circumscribed and lobulated.

The naevus often continues to grow during the first year of life, but after this initial growth period, slow involution occurs. In a majority of cases the lesion regresses completely by 4 or 5 years of age.

Treatment may however be indicated if there is inhibition normal development - for example impairing normal binocular visual development by obstructing the vision from one eye. It may involve systemic or local steroids, sclerosants, interferon, or laser treatment.

Sometimes a naevus shows features of a capillary, as well as a cavernous, haemangioma.

Some cavernous haemangiomata be associated with thrombocytopaenia, in Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.

Notes:

  • strawberry naevus is classified as a subtype of infantile haemangioma

Click here for example image of strawberry naevi