Definition: An hemangioma, commonly called a strawberry or strawberry hemangioma by parents, is a type of vascular birthmark that typically appear in the first few weeks after a baby is born, can grow rapidly during an infant's first year of life, and then typically go away by the time the child is 5 to 8 years old.
This type of superficial hemangioma of infancy are typically bright red and usually doesn't require any treatment, unless it is in an area that may interfere with some normal function. For example, an hemangioma by the eye might block the child's vision, or one by a child's nose or mouth might interfere with breathing or eating, and might need to be treated with steroids and/or lasers. An hemangioma that bleeds or ulcerates might also need to be treated.
In addition to superficial hemangiomas, there are also deep and mixed hemangiomas.
Pronunciation: he-man-gee-o-ma
Also Known As: Strawberry Hemangioma or Strawberry
