HEMANGIOMA EXCISION DIAGNOSIS RESULTS
Category: Plastic Surgery
Abstract : Initial correct diagnosis of the hemangioma is necessary for effective
treatment. Generally, hemangiomas are not present at birth; they proliferate
during the first year of the patients life, and then commonly begin an
involution process. These clinical characteristics distinguish hemangiomas from
another type of congenital vascular lesion called a vascular malformation.
Vascular malform
Initial correct diagnosis of the hemangioma is necessary for effective
treatment. Generally, hemangiomas are not present at birth; they proliferate
during the first year of the patients life, and then commonly begin an
involution process. These clinical characteristics distinguish hemangiomas from
another type of congenital vascular lesion called a vascular malformation.
Vascular malforma tions are always present at birth, do not proliferate, and do
not involute. Vascular malformations are developmental abnormalities and can
involve veins, arteries, or lymphatic tissue. Because of the lack of rapid
proliferation, the expectation for vascular malformations differs from those
with a hemangioma, and so the precise type of lesion has a significant impact on
treatment decisions.
Aftercare
Aftercare for a hemangioma excision involves wound care and
maintenance such as changing of bandages.
Risks
The greatest risk of hemangioma excision is bleeding during the
operation, as these tumors are comprised of abnormal blood vessels. Surgeons
often utilize special surgical tools to reduce this risk, including
thermoscalpels (an electrically heated scapel) and electrocauteries (a tool that
stops bleeding using an electrical charge).
A second risk of the surgery is recurrence of the tumor, that is, an
incomplete excision of the abnormally growing tissue. Surgery may also result in
scarring that is at least as noticeable as what would remain after involution,
if not more so. Patients and their caregivers should carefully consider this
possibility when deciding to undergo surgical treatment for hemangiomas.Other
risks of the surgery are very low, and includethose that accompany any surgical
procedure, such as reactions to anesthesia and possible infections of the
incision.
Normal results
Completely normal appearance after surgery is very rare.
However, for significantly disfiguring tumors or those that impact physical
function, the surgical scar may be preferable to the presence of the tumor.
Morbidity and mortality rates
Morbidity and mortality resulting from this
surgery is close to zero, particularly because of the new surgical techniques
and tools that prevent intra-operative bleeding of the tumor.
Alternatives
Several alternatives to surgical excision include observation
( watchful waiting ), treatment with steroids during the proliferation stage to
shrink the tumor and speed the involution process, and laser surgery techniques
to alter the appearance of the tumor. Commonly, a combination of these treatment
methods, including surgery, will be used to tailor a therapeutic approach for a
patients particular tumor.
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