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Hemangiomas are benign skin tumors caused by blood vessels clumping together abnormally. Skin pigment cells, genetics, and estrogen are potential causes. Melanocytes act as a blocker against hemangioma formation, and estrogen receptors may influence vascular function. Hemangiomas appear as red spots and can grow rapidly for a year before slowly shrinking.
Hemangiomas are blood vessels that have clumped together abnormally. They are benign skin tumors and are also known as port-wine stains. These birthmarks are present at birth, but not always visible until a few weeks after birth. Skin pigment cells, genetics, and the hormone called estrogen are three major potential causes of hemangiomas.
Melanocytes are the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. Researchers believe that melanocytes act as a blocker against the formation of hemangiomas. Since Caucasian and Asian ethnicities have lighter skin tones, there are fewer melanocytes. This reduction in melanocytes can be one of the causes of hemangiomas. Cases of melanocytes are rarer in ethnicities with darker skin tones and higher numbers of melanocytes, such as African Americans.
The female hormone called estrogen can also be one of the causes of hemangiomas. Studies have shown that females are more likely to develop hemangiomas than males. There is still a lot of research going on into this phenomenon, but the idea is that the hormone estrogen receptors have an influence on hemangioma formation. These receptors are thought to affect vascular function and cause the vessels to pool.
Another cause of hemangiomas could be genetics. Genetics is an area that plays a huge role in the development of many diseases and conditions. Genes passed on from one or both parents can lead to a condition or disease occurring in a child. A parent with the autosomal dominant trait can pass this vascular condition on to a child.
Ongoing research suggests that there is another possible cause of hemangiomas. A pre-endothelial cell can also lead to the development of this type of benign tumor. These cells are thought not to form endothelial cells due to a mutation in the cell. The mutation allows unformed skin cells to remain. Instead of dying, the mutated cells clump together and form the benign tumor.
A hemangioma appears as a red spot, often on the neck or head. It can come in various sizes, but is usually large enough to cover an entire side of the face, cheek, or neck. In some cases, the hemangioma can extend from the temple down the side of the neck and from the ear to the nose. The hemangiomas will start growing rapidly for about a year. After this time, they begin to slowly shrink. About half of all hemangiomas in children are completely gone by the time the child reaches the age of five.
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