In this article
- It may involve skin, nose, mouth or airway
- Not every haemangioma needs treatment
- Location, growth and function guide treatment
Assessment and treatment
- Serial photographs/measurements and review
- Selected propranolol under medical supervision
- Surgery/laser in specific situations
At a glance
Definition: An infantile haemangioma may grow quickly after birth and often shrinks gradually later.
Key takeaways
- It may involve skin, nose, mouth or airway
- Not every haemangioma needs treatment
- Location, growth and function guide treatment
Clinical steps
- Serial photographs/measurements and review
- Selected propranolol under medical supervision
- Surgery/laser in specific situations
Red flags: Eye or airway obstruction, ulcer bleeding, feeding problems or very rapid growth needs prompt specialist care.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
Eye or airway obstruction, ulcer bleeding, feeding problems or very rapid growth needs prompt specialist care.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with it may involve skin, nose, mouth or airway.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: Eye or airway obstruction, ulcer bleeding, feeding problems or very rapid growth needs prompt specialist care.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.