We haven’t mentioned anything about it yet, but I’m sure you’ve already noticed Peanut’s hemangioma. Her hema-what? Peanut’s hemangioma – the large red “birth mark” on her temple. She also has a second on her stomach. (Lulu and I prefer to call them her “strawberries” – much easier to pronounce) Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors composed of cells that normally line the blood vessels. They are the most common tumor of childhood, occurring in up to 10% of infants. Hemangiomas are more common in Caucasians. They also occur more frequently in girls and low-birth-weight premature infants – I guess Peanut’s 3 for 3.
The cause of hemangiomas isn’t fully understood. The doctors in at the UIHC told us they thought it might have something to do with the way Peanut was resting against the uterine wall. Studies show it’s not related to any chemical or environmental exposures during pregnancy.
Hemangiomas almost always have a period of growth followed by a period of shrinkage. Peanut’s hemangiomas began their growth phase shortly after birth – which is typical. The one on her stomach first appeared as a small red blotch – much like a common birthmark – about a week after Peanut was born. It slowly grew in size and became raised. The second hemangioma on her temple was just a few days behind.
Both of Peanut’s hemangiomas have finished their growth stage. And have started showing signs of shrinkage. The shrinkage phase is much slower and can take as long as ten years. During this time, our main concern is if Peanut would bump or scratch one of them in a way that would cause it to bleed, as it may require medical attention to stop the bleeding. It is difficult to predict how long this shrinkage process will last, but it is likely that Peanut will have no lasting reminder her strawberries were even there once she’s a bit older.
Here’s a photo timeline of the hemangioma on Peanut’s temple:
About a week after birth. Nothing yet on Peanut’s temple, but you can see the start of the hemangima on her stomach.
Around 3 weeks. You can see the faint red mark on her head.
About 6 weeks. The hemangioma is well formed and starting to raise.
Just after getting home. The hemangioma is still growing.
The hemangioma at its largest.
Just a couple weeks ago. You can just make out a faint whiteness at the center of the bright red. That indicates the hemangioma is starting to shrink already.
