tufted haemangioma

Last reviewed 01/2018

Tufted angioma (TA) is an uncommon benign vascular tumour that is usually seen in infancy or in early childhood.

There is no sex preference.

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome may be associated with TA (1).

Lesions generally present as solitary tumours or large, infiltrated plaques that are dusky red or violaceous in colour.

• clinical appearance is variable
  • may be nodularity or cobblestoning.
• an associated increase in lanugo hair and an overlying capillary malformation (port-wine stain) may be present
• patients may complain of pain and tenderness (1)
• localised hyperhidrosis is frequently seen.
• tumours can occur anywhere, but they are seen mostly on the neck, trunk, and occasionally on the extremities (2).

TA is persistent, often slowly enlarging over the years. Spontaneous regression is rare (1).

Biopsy may be required for diagnosis. If necessary, treatment is through surgical excision.

When surgery is not feasible, or in cases associated with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, pharmacological treatment is used (1).

Reference:

• 1. Browning J et al. Congenital, self-regressing tufted angioma. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142(6):749-51
• 2. Al-Za'abi AM, et al. Eruptive tufted angiomas in a patient with Crohn's disease. J Clin Pathol. 2005;58(2):214-6