Without intervention a hemangioma could continue to grow for one year. There are two general categories of complications arising from hemangiomas. Relative indications for treatment include ulcerations, bleeding, pain and possibility of permanent facial disfigurement. Hemangiomas located in the perianal or genital areas may become infected or develop cellulitis. Infants presenting with 3 or more small hemangiomas should be evaluated for internal hemangioma of the liver or digestive tract.
Visceral hemangiomas can lead to congestive heart failure or other organ dysfunction.
All hemangiomas must be evaluated by a specialist to prevent complications from developing. Typically the hemangioma appears within 2 weeks after birth. It is usually noticed as a small red blemish or bump, most parents interpret it as a bruise or scratch but quickly become alarmed as it begins to rapidly grow. Many parents will notice a Rapid Regression of the lesion. If the regression is rapid, the lesion will generally be gone by age 3-5 years of age, with none or only minor residual scaring.