Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Hemangioma in a Single Institution / 임상소아혈액종양

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of childhood. Uncertainties regarding their diagnosis or management often prompt life- or function-threatening complications or unnecessary treatment. The objective of this study is to analyze and understand the clinical features and treatment outcomes of hemangiomas for accurate diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 60 patients diagnosed as hemangioma in Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from January 2001 to January 2011 was performed. RESULTS: Hemangiomas were observed predominantly in female with the sex ratio of 12.2. They were present at birth in 32%, and within 2 months of age in 22% of the patients. In 45% of the patients, hemangiomas occurred on the head and neck, which were the most commonly involved site. 27% of the cases were clinically diagnosed, 40% of the cases were diagnosed after imaging studies, and 37% of cases were confirmed by histopathology. 40% of the patients were observed without treatment. 57% of the patients were treated with surgical excision, corticosteroid, interferon or propranolol. Eight patients were treated with oral propranolol, and seven of them demonstrated regression without major side effects. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that hemangiomas were preponderant in female and usually appeared in first 2 months of life, and the head and neck were the most favored site. We observed that propranolol was effective and safe for treating problematic infantile hemangiomas.