Best Hemangioma Doctors in Kolkata

Types/Stages of Hemangioma

Hemangiomas can be categorised based on their location and appearance. The most common ones are:

•  Capillary Hemangiomas: These appear on the top layer of the skin and are usually reddish in color, often called “strawberry marks” due to their bright hue and texture.

• Deep Hemangiomas: Unlike capillary hemangiomas, these are located deeper in the skin, have a bluish hue and may cause swelling or a raised appearance in the affected area.

• Compound Hemangiomas: They possess characteristics of both capillary and deep hemangiomas, presenting with a combination of reddish colour on the surface and a bluish hue in the deeper layers of the skin.

  Symptoms of Hemangioma

  Although hemangiomas are usually recognised by their distinct appearance, the following signs may be indicators:

• A flat red mark on the skin at birth

• Rapid growth of the red mark during the infant’s first six months

• Shrinkage or disappearance by age 10

• Swelling or a raised appearance in the affected area

• Complication such as bleeding or ulceration, in rare cases

Tests to Diagnose Hemangioma

To confirm the diagnosis of a hemangioma, a specialist for the treatment of hemangioma may recommend:

•  Physical Examination: Doctors usually diagnose hemangiomas based on their appearance, noting the size, location, and colour of the lesion.

• Doppler Ultrasound or MRI: These imaging tests may be used if the doctor wants to examine the lesion more closely.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI can provide detailed images of the hemangioma and its relationship to surrounding tissues.

• Biopsy: In rare cases, a small tissue sample may be taken for laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Hemangioma at Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata

The doctors treating hemangioma at Apollo Hospitals Kolkata, offer several effective methods to manage the condition. The treatment options include:

•  Observation: Many hemangiomas disappear on their own and require no treatment. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional ensures that any changes or complications are promptly addressed.

• Medication: Drugs like beta blockers, such as propranolol which are effective in shrinking hemangiomas, may be prescribed. Steroids may also be prescribed in some cases to slow the growth of the hemangioma.

• Laser Treatment: Laser treatment may be recommended to treat ulcerated hemangiomas. The laser can reduce redness, shrink the hemangioma, and help heal ulcerated areas by targeting the blood vessels within the lesion.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal of the hemangioma might be deemed necessary by the doctor for the treatment of hemangioma.