What to do when it grows?
Especially in the first months of life an increase in size of the blood sponge is nothing unusual, but should be observed by a doctor. If a hemangioma grows at a later time, this should also be shown to a doctor in any case. In most cases, however, the growth of a haemangioma does not represent a therapeutic indication, unless it is desired by the patient or his parents.
Since blood sponges are most frequently found on the face, growth near the eyes, ears, mouth or nose is not unusual. If a haemangioma is located on the eye, its growth can exert pressure on the eyeball, which can lead to defective vision or strabismus. Food intake can also be affected by a hemangioma of the mouth.
A hemangioma on the nose can impede breathing. Therefore, children with haemangiomas in a critical position should receive regular medical care. If there is a haemangioma in the eye, ear, nose or mouth, the decision to remove it is usually made at an early stage.
What do you do if it bleeds?
Bleeding from blood sponges is very rare, but is possible in principle, since a blood sponge is a tumour made up of small blood vessels. If a blood sponge bleeds, it is usually only a weak bleeding that can be stopped by pressure, so that no additional measures are usually necessary.
Forecast
The prognosis of a haemangioma is generally good, since it is a benign tumour. In the initial phase, in the first months of life, the haemangioma often increases in size, which is no cause for concern. Nevertheless, check-ups at the paediatrician do not do any harm.
In most cases, haematopoietic sponges shrink in the course of the disease until they have disappeared completely at some point. Blood sponges usually go through a growth phase, a standstill phase and a regression phase. If a haemangioma is still present after the tenth year of life, less regression is to be expected. In addition to these harmless haemangioma, there are also haemangioma that grow inwards and can block organs. Here the prognosis can be different.
Blood sponge on baby’s head
About 60 percent of all blood sponges occur on the head or neck. These locations are often perceived as disfiguring, so that they are removed. Blood sponges on the face should be checked regularly so that eyes, mouth and the like are not affected.
Blood sponge on the baby’s finger
A blood sponge is usually found on the face or neck, but in principle a hemangioma can occur anywhere on the body, including the finger. If the haemangioma is located at the fingertip, the sense of action can be impaired.
