Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is an inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block
one or more veins, usually in your legs. The affected vein might be near the surface of
your skin (superficial thrombophlebitis) or deep within a muscle (deep vein thrombosis,
or DVT). Causes include trauma, surgery or prolonged inactivity.
DVT increases your risk of serious health problems. It's usually treated with blood-
thinning medications. Superficial thrombophlebitis is sometimes treated with blood-
thinning medications, too.
Symptoms
Superficial thrombophlebitis signs and symptoms include:

 Warmth, tenderness and pain in the affected area

 Redness and swelling

Deep vein thrombosis signs and symptoms include:

 Pain

 Swelling

When a vein close to the surface of your skin is affected, you might see a red, hard cord
just under the surface of your skin that's tender to the touch. When a deep vein in the
leg is affected, your leg may become swollen, tender and painful.
Causes
The cause of thrombophlebitis is a blood clot, which can form in your blood as a result
of:
An injury to a vein
An inherited blood-clotting disorder
Being immobile for long periods, such as during an injury or a hospital stay
Risk factors
Your risk of thrombophlebitis increases if you:

 Are inactive for a prolonged period, either because you're confined to bed or
you're traveling in a car or plane for a long period
 Have varicose veins, which are a common cause of superficial thrombophlebitis

 Have a pacemaker or have a thin, flexible tube (catheter) in a central vein, for treatment
of a medical condition, which may irritate the blood vessel wall and decrease blood flow

 Are pregnant or have just given birth

  Use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, which can make your blood
more likely to clot

 Have a family history of a blood-clotting disorder or a tendency to form blood clots

 Have had previous episodes of thrombophlebitis

 Have had a stroke

 Are older than 60

 Are overweight or obese

 Have cancer

 Smoke

If you have one or more risk factors, discuss prevention strategies with your doctor
before taking long flights or road trips or if you're planning to have elective surgery,
recovery from which will require you not to move much.
Complications
Pulmonary embolism

Complications from superficial thrombophlebitis are rare. However, if you develop DVT,

the risk of serious complications increases. Complications might include:

 Pulmonary embolism. If part of a deep vein clot becomes dislodged, it can travel
to your lungs, where it can block an artery (embolism) and become potentially life-
threatening.

 Post-phlebetic syndrome. This condition, also known as post-thrombotic

syndrome, can develop months or even years after you've had DVT. Post-phlebetic
syndrome can cause lasting and possibly disabling pain, swelling, and a feeling of
heaviness in the affected leg.

Prevention
Sitting during a long flight or car ride can cause your ankles and calves to swell and
increases your risk of thrombophlebitis. To help prevent a blood clot:

 Take a walk. If you're flying or riding a train or bus, walk up and down the aisle
once an hour or so. If you're driving, stop every hour or so and move around.

 Move your legs regularly. Flex your ankles, or carefully press your feet against
the floor or footrest in front of you at least 10 times each hour.
  Drink plenty of water or other nonalcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration.

Diagnosis
 Ultrasound. A wandlike device (transducer) moved over the affected area
of your leg sends sound waves into your leg. As the sound waves travel
through your leg tissue and reflect back, a computer transforms the waves
into a moving image on a video screen.
 Blood test. Almost everyone with a blood clot has an elevated blood level
of a naturally occurring, clot-dissolving substance called D dimer. But DVT
dimer levels can be elevated in other conditions. So a test for D dimer isn't
conclusive, but can indicate the need for further testing

Blood-thinning medications. If you have deep vein thrombosis, injection of a

blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medication, such as low molecular weight heparin,
fondaparinux (Arixtra) or apixaban (Eliquis), will prevent clots from growing bigger.
After the first treatment, you'll likely be told to take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
or rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for several months to keep preventing clot growth. Blood
thinners can cause excessive bleeding. Always follow your doctor's instructions
carefully.

 Clot-dissolving medications. Treatment with a clot-dissolving drug is called

thrombolysis. The medication alteplase (Activase) is used to dissolve blood clots in
people with extensive DVT, including those who have a blood clot in the lungs
(pulmonary embolism).

 Compression stockings. Prescription-strength compression stockings help

prevent swelling and reduce the chances of complications of DVT.

 Vena cava filter. If you can't take blood thinners, a filter may be inserted into the
main vein in your abdomen (vena cava) to prevent clots that break loose in leg
veins from lodging in your lungs. Usually, the filter is removed when it's no longer
needed.

 Varicose vein stripping. Your doctor can surgically remove varicose veins that
cause pain or recurrent thrombophlebitis. The procedure involves removing a long
vein through small incisions. Removing the vein won't affect blood flow in your leg
because veins deeper in the leg take care of the increased volumes of blood.

 Compression stockings. Prescription-strength compression stockings help

prevent swelling and reduce the chances of complications of DVT.
  Vena cava filter. If you can't take blood thinners, a filter may be inserted into the
main vein in your abdomen (vena cava) to prevent clots that break loose in leg
veins from lodging in your lungs. Usually, the filter is removed when it's no longer
needed.

 Varicose vein stripping. Your doctor can surgically remove varicose veins that
cause pain or recurrent thrombophlebitis. The procedure involves removing a long
vein through small incisions. Removing the vein won't affect blood flow in your leg
because veins deeper in the leg take care of the increased volumes of blood.

Varicose veins
Overview
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins. Any superficial vein may become varicosed,
but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs. That's because standing
and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body.

For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild variation of
varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can
cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes varicose veins lead to more-serious
problems.
Symptoms
Varicose veins may not cause any pain. Signs you may have varicose veins include:

 Veins that are dark purple or blue in color

 Veins that appear twisted and bulging; they are often like cords on your legs

When painful signs and symptoms occur, they may include:

 An achy or heavy feeling in your legs

 Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs

 Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time

 Itching around one or more of your veins

 Skin discoloration around a varicose vein

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they're smaller. Spider veins are found
closer to the skin's surface and are often red or blue.
Spider veins occur on the legs, but can also be found on the face. They vary in size and
often look like a spider's web.
When to see a doctor

Self-care — such as exercise, elevating your legs or wearing compression stockings —

can help you ease the pain of varicose veins and may prevent them from getting worse.
But if you're concerned about how your veins look and feel and self-care measures
haven't stopped your condition from getting worse, see your doctor.

Causes

Weak or damaged valves can lead to varicose veins. Arteries carry blood from your
heart to the rest of your tissues, and veins return blood from the rest of your body to
your heart, so the blood can be recirculated. To return blood to your heart, the veins in
your legs must work against gravity.

Muscle contractions in your lower legs act as pumps, and elastic vein walls help blood
return to your heart. Tiny valves in your veins open as blood flows toward your heart
then close to stop blood from flowing backward. If these valves are weak or damaged,
blood can flow backward and pool in the vein, causing the veins to stretch or twist.
Risk factors
These factors increase your risk of developing varicose veins:

 Age. The risk of varicose veins increases with age. Aging causes wear and tear on
the valves in your veins that help regulate blood flow. Eventually, that wear causes
the valves to allow some blood to flow back into your veins where it collects instead
of flowing up to your heart.

 Sex. Women are more likely to develop the condition. Hormonal changes during
pregnancy, premenstruation or menopause may be a factor because female
hormones tend to relax vein walls. Hormone treatments, such as birth control pills,
may increase your risk of varicose veins.

 Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases. This

change supports the growing fetus, but also can produce an unfortunate side effect
— enlarged veins in your legs. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may also play
a role.

 Family history. If other family members had varicose veins, there's a greater
chance you will too.

 Obesity. Being overweight puts added pressure on your veins.

  Standing or sitting for long periods of time. Your blood doesn't flow as well if
you're in the same position for long periods.

Complications
Complications of varicose veins, although rare, can include:

 Ulcers. Painful ulcers may form on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near
the ankles. A discolored spot on the skin usually begins before an ulcer forms. See
your doctor immediately if you suspect you've developed an ulcer.

 Blood clots. Occasionally, veins deep within the legs become enlarged. In such
cases, the affected leg may become painful and swell. Any persistent leg pain or
swelling warrants medical attention because it may indicate a blood clot — a
condition known medically as thrombophlebitis.

 Bleeding. Occasionally, veins very close to the skin may burst. This usually
causes only minor bleeding. But any bleeding requires medical attention.

Prevention
There's no way to completely prevent varicose veins. But improving your circulation and
muscle tone may reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting additional
ones. The same measures you can take to treat the discomfort from varicose veins at
home can help prevent varicose veins, including:

 Exercising

 Watching your weight

 Eating a high-fiber, low-salt diet

 Avoiding high heels and tight hosiery

 Elevating your legs

 Changing your sitting or standing position regularly

Diagnosis
To diagnose varicose veins, physical exam, including looking at your legs while you're
standing to check for swelling. Your doctor may also ask you to describe any pain and
aching in your legs.
Treatment

Self-care

Self-care — such as exercising, losing weight, not wearing tight clothes,

elevating your legs, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting — can ease
pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse.

Compression stockings

Wearing compression stockings all day is often the first approach to try before moving on to
other treatments. They steadily squeeze your legs, helping veins and leg muscles move blood
more efficiently. The amount of compression varies by type and brand

 Sclerotherapy. In this procedure, your doctor injects small- and medium-

sized varicose veins with a solution or foam that scars and closes those
veins. In a few weeks, treated varicose veins should fade.

Although the same vein may need to be injected more than once,
sclerotherapy is effective if done correctly. Sclerotherapy doesn't require
anesthesia and can be done in your doctor's office.

 Foam sclerotherapy of large veins. Injection of a large vein with a foam solution

is also a possible treatment to close a vein and seal it.

 Laser treatment. Doctors are using new technology in laser treatments to close off
smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Laser treatment works by sending strong
bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. No
incisions or needles are used.

Catheter-assisted procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy. In one of these

treatments, your doctor inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an enlarged vein and heats the tip of
the catheter using either radiofrequency or laser energy.

 High ligation and vein stripping. This procedure involves tying off a vein before it
joins a deep vein and removing the vein through small incisions. This is an
outpatient procedure for most people. Removing the vein won't adversely affect
circulation in your leg because veins deeper in the leg take care of the larger
volumes of blood.
  Ambulatory phlebectomy (fluh-BEK-tuh-me). Your doctor removes smaller
varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures. Only the parts of your leg
that are being pricked are numbed in this outpatient procedure. Scarring is
generally minimal.

Endoscopic vein surgery. You might need this operation only in an advanced case involving
leg ulcers if other techniques fai

Lifestyle and home remedies

There are some self-care measures you can take to decrease the discomfort that
varicose veins can cause. These same measures can help prevent or slow the
development of varicose veins, as well. They include:

 Exercise. 
 Watch your weight and your diet.
 Watch what you wear. 
 Elevate your legs. 

superior vena cava syndrome

The superior vena cava is the vein that carries deoxygenated
blood from the upper body to the heart.
Superior vena cava syndrome is often a secondary problem caused by a
cancerous tumor or a blood clot that restricts blood flow through this particular
vein.
It used to be considered a medical emergency. However, doctors no longer
believe this to be the case.
Even so, those experiencing symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome should
be evaluated promptly by a doctor.

What is superior vena cava syndrome?

Share on Pin terest The superior vena cava is a large vein of the heart.

The superior vena cava is the larger of the two veins that transport deoxygenated
blood back to the heart.

The superior vena cava carries used blood from the head and upper body to the
right atrium (upper chamber) of the heart. This vein is in the middle of the chest
and is surrounded by lymph nodes.

Superior vena cava syndrome is the name given to the symptoms that occur
when the blood flow through the superior vena cava is blocked or compressed.

These symptoms include breathing problems, lightheadedness, and swelling in

the upper body.

Causes

Superior vena cava syndrome most often occurs as a complication of another

medical issue, such a tumor or a swollen lymph node obstructing the flow of
blood through the vein.

Common causes of superior vena cava syndrome include:

 non-Hodgkin lymphoma
 lung cancer

Less common causes of superior vena cava syndrome include:

 metastatic breast cancer
  colon cancer
 esophageal cancer
 thyroid cancer
 Hodgkin lymphoma
 blood clots from an intravenous catheter or pacemaker
 severe chest infections, such as tuberculosis
 some immune system diseases, such as Behcet’s disease

Symptoms

Symptoms may include a combination of the following:

 coughing
 difficulty breathing or swallowing
 hoarseness
 chest pain
 coughing up blood
 swollen veins in the neck or chest
 arm swelling
 facial swelling
 stridor or wheezing
 nausea
 lightheadedness
 red skin on the chest or neck
Superior vena cava syndrome in children

Although rare, superior vena cava syndrome in children is always a medical

emergency.

A child’s windpipe is smaller and less rigid than an adult’s, making it more prone
to swelling quickly and causing breathing problems. Symptoms are often similar
to those in adults and tend to be due to lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic
system).

Symptoms in pregnancy

Pregnant women in their late second and third trimester may experience a
condition similar to superior vena cava syndrome. Symptoms occur when the
inferior vena cava (the smaller of the two veins that transport deoxygenated
blood back to the heart) gets compressed by pressure from the fetus and the
enlarged uterus.

A pregnant woman may experience lightheadedness and low blood

pressure when lying directly on her back. Lying on the left side often resolves
these symptoms.

Diagnosis

 a chest X-ray to check for tumors in the lungs or an enlargement in the

chest
 a CT scan to show blockages
 venography, which is an X-ray of the veins after an injection of a special
dye that makes the veins visible
 an ultrasound to look for blood clots in the upper extremities
If a tumor is found to be responsible for the blockage, a doctor may order a
biopsy to determine what type of tumor is causing the problem. Knowing whether
the tumor is cancerous or benign is essential for receiving proper treatment.

Treatment

In most cases of superior vena cava syndrome, treatment aims to reduce

symptoms and shrink any tumor causing the obstruction. In mild cases, watchful
waiting may be the only treatment recommended.

Many people with superior vena cava syndrome see vast improvements in their
symptoms by keeping their head elevated and using supplemental oxygen. Some
doctors may also try to reduce swelling with prescribed steroids.

Most treatment of superior vena cava syndrome focuses on addressing the

underlying cause of the syndrome.

Since the majority of cases occur due to cancer, appropriate treatment is key.
Treatment will depend on the type of cancer involved and may include a
combination of chemotherapy and radiation.

In cases where superior vena cava syndrome is caused by a blood clot, blood
thinners may be prescribed. A stent may also be used to open up the vein. In
rare cases, bypass surgery may be performed.

Lymphedema
Overview
Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs.
Sometimes both arms or both legs swell.

Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph

nodes as a part of cancer treatment. It results from a blockage in your lymphatic
system, which is part of your immune system. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from
draining well, and the fluid buildup leads to swelling.
While there is presently no cure for lymphedema, it can be managed with early
diagnosis and diligent care of your affected limb.
Symptoms

Lymphatic systemOpen pop-up dialog box

Leg lymphedemaOpen pop-up dialog box

Lymphedema signs and symptoms, which occur in your affected arm or leg, include:

 Swelling of part or all of your arm or leg, including fingers or toes

 A feeling of heaviness or tightness

 Restricted range of motion

 Aching or discomfort

 Recurring infections

 Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

Causes

Causes of secondary lymphedema

Any condition or procedure that damages your lymph nodes or lymph vessels can
cause lymphedema. Causes include:

 Surgery. Removal of or injury to lymph nodes and lymph vessels may result in

lymphedema. For example, lymph nodes may be removed to check for spread of
breast cancer, and lymph nodes may be injured in surgery that involves blood
vessels in your limbs.

 Radiation treatment for cancer. Radiation can cause scarring and inflammation

of your lymph nodes or lymph vessels.

 Cancer. If cancer cells block lymphatic vessels, lymphedema may result. For
instance, a tumor growing near a lymph node or lymph vessel could enlarge
enough to block the flow of the lymph fluid.

 Infection. An infection of the lymph nodes or parasites can restrict the flow of
lymph fluid. Infection-related lymphedema is most common in tropical and
subtropical regions and is more likely to occur in developing countries.
Causes of primary lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition caused by problems with the

development of lymph vessels in your body. Specific causes of primary lymphedema
include:

 Milroy's disease (congenital lymphedema). This disorder begins in infancy and

causes lymph nodes to form abnormally.

 Meige's disease (lymphedema praecox). This disorder often causes

lymphedema around puberty or during pregnancy, though it can occur later, until
age 35.

 Late-onset lymphedema (lymphedema tarda). This occurs rarely and usually

begins after age 35.

Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of developing lymphedema after cancer, from
cancer treatment or from other secondary causes include:

 Older age

 Excess weight or obesity

 Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis

Complications
Lymphedema in your arm or leg can lead to serious complications, such as:

 Infections. Possible infections that can result from lymphedema include a serious

bacterial infection of the skin (cellulitis) and an infection of the lymph vessels
(lymphangitis). The smallest injury to your arm or leg can be an entry point for
infection.

 Lymphangiosarcoma. This rare form of soft tissue cancer can result from the
most-severe cases of untreated lymphedema. Possible signs of
lymphangiosarcoma include blue-red or purple marks on the skin.

Prevention
If you have had or you are going to have cancer surgery, ask your doctor whether your
procedure will involve your lymph nodes or lymph vessels. Ask if your radiation
treatment will be aimed at lymph nodes, so you'll be aware of the possible risks.

To reduce your risk of lymphedema, try to:

  Protect your arm or leg. Avoid injury to your affected limb. Cuts, scrapes and
burns can invite infection. Protect yourself from sharp objects. For example, shave
with an electric razor, wear gloves when you garden or cook, and use a thimble
when you sew. If possible, avoid medical procedures, such as blood draws and
vaccinations, in your affected limb.

 Rest your arm or leg while recovering. After cancer treatment, exercise and
stretching are encouraged. But avoid strenuous activity until you've recovered from
surgery or radiation.

 Avoid heat on your arm or leg. Don't apply ice or heat, such as with a heating
pad, to your affected limb. Also, protect your affected limb from extreme cold.

 Elevate your arm or leg. Whenever possible, elevate your affected limb above the
level of your heart.

 Avoid tight clothing. Avoid anything that could constrict your arm or leg, such as
tightfitting clothing and, in the case of your arm, blood pressure cuffs. Ask that your
blood pressure be taken in your other arm.

 Keep your arm or leg clean. Make skin and nail care high priorities. Inspect the
skin on your arm or leg daily, watching for changes or breaks in your skin that
could lead to infection. Don't go barefoot.
Diagnosis

If you're at risk of lymphedema — for instance, if you've recently had cancer surgery
involving your lymph nodes — your doctor may diagnose lymphedema based on your
signs and symptoms.

If the cause of your lymphedema isn't as obvious, your doctor may order imaging tests
to get a look at your lymph system. Tests may include:

 MRI scan. Using a magnetic field and radio waves, an MRI produces 3-D, high-
resolution images.

 CT scan. This X-ray technique produces detailed, cross-sectional images of your

body's structures. CT scans can reveal blockages in the lymphatic system.

 Doppler ultrasound. This variation of the conventional ultrasound looks at blood

flow and pressure by bouncing high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) off red
blood cells. Ultrasound can help find obstructions.
  Radionuclide imaging of your lymphatic system (lymphoscintigraphy). During
this test you're injected with a radioactive dye and then scanned by a machine. The
resulting images show the dye moving through your lymph vessels, highlighting
blockages.

Treatment
There's no cure for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and
controlling the pain. Lymphedema treatments include:

 Exercises. Light exercises in which you move your affected limb may

encourage lymph fluid drainage and help prepare you for everyday tasks,
such as carrying groceries. Exercises shouldn't be strenuous or tire you but
should focus on gentle contraction of the muscles in your arm or leg. A
certified lymphedema therapist can teach you exercises that may help.
 Wrapping your arm or leg. Bandaging your entire limb encourages lymph
fluid to flow back toward the trunk of your body. The bandage should be
tightest around your fingers or toes and loosen as it moves up your arm or
leg. A lymphedema therapist can show you how to wrap your limb.
 Massage. A special massage technique called manual lymph drainage may
encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of your arm or leg. And various
massage treatments may benefit people with active cancer. Be sure to work
with someone specially trained in these techniques.

Massage isn't for everyone. Avoid massage if you have a skin infection,
blood clots or active disease in the involved lymph drainage areas.

 Pneumatic compression. A sleeve worn over your affected arm or leg

connects to a pump that intermittently inflates the sleeve, putting pressure
on your limb and moving lymph fluid away from your fingers or toes.
 Compression garments. Long sleeves or stockings made to compress
your arm or leg encourage the flow of the lymph fluid out of your affected
limb. Wear a compression garment when exercising the affected limb.

Obtain a correct fit for your compression garment by getting professional

help. Ask your doctor where you can buy compression garments in your
community. Some people will require custom-made compression garments.

If you have difficulties putting on or taking off the compression garment,

there are special techniques and aids to help with this; your lymphedema
therapist can review options with you. In addition, if compression garments
or compression wraps or both are not an option, sometimes a compression
device with fabric fasteners can work for you.
  Complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This approach involves combining
therapies with lifestyle changes. Generally, CDT isn't recommended for
people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, paralysis, heart failure,
blood clots or acute infections.

Lymphangitis
Lymphangitis is an infection of the lymph vessels (channels). It is a complication of some bacterial
infections.

Causes

The lymph system is a network of lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph vessels, and organs that
produce and move a fluid called lymph from tissues to the bloodstream.
Lymphangitis most often results from an acute streptococcal infection of the skin. Less often, it is
caused by a staphylococcal infection. The infection causes the lymph vessels to become inflamed.
Lymphangitis may be a sign that a skin infection is getting worse. The bacteria can spread into the
blood and cause life-threatening problems.

Symptoms

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Symptoms has been expanded.

Symptoms may include:

 Fever and chills

 Enlarged and tender lymph nodes (glands) -- usually in the elbow, armpit, or groin

 General ill feeling (malaise)

 Headache

 Loss of appetite

 Muscle aches

 Red streaks from the infected area to the armpit or groin (may be faint or obvious)

 Throbbing pain along the affected area

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes feeling your lymph nodes and
examining your skin. The provider may look for signs of injury around swollen lymph nodes.
A biopsy and culture of the affected area may reveal the cause of the inflammation. A blood
culture may be done to see if the infection has spread to the blood.

Treatment

Treatment may include:

 Antibiotics by mouth or IV (through a vein) to treat any infection

 Pain medicine to control pain

 Anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation and swelling

 Warm, moist compresses to reduce inflammation and pain

Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess.

NEUOPLASMA

Hemangioma
Overview
A hemangioma is a bright red birthmark that shows up at birth or in the first or second
week of life. It looks like a rubbery bump and is made up of extra blood vessels in the
skin.
A hemangioma can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly appears on the
face, scalp, chest or back. Treatment for a baby's hemangioma (infantile hemangioma)
usually isn't needed as it fades over time. A child who has this condition during infancy
usually has little visible trace of the growth by age 10. You may want to consider
treatment if a hemangioma interferes with seeing, breathing or other functions.
Symptoms
A hemangioma may be present at birth, but more often appears during the first several
months of life. It starts as a flat red mark anywhere on the body, most often on the face,
scalp, chest or back. Usually a child has only one mark. Some children may have more
than one, particularly if they're part of a multiple birth.

During your child's first year, the red mark grows rapidly into a spongy, rubbery-looking
bump that sticks out from the skin. The hemangioma then enters a rest phase and,
eventually, it begins to slowly disappear.

Many hemangiomas disappear by age 5, and most are gone by age 10. The skin may
be slightly discolored or raised after the hemangioma goes away.

Causes
A hemangioma is made up of extra blood vessels that group together into a dense
clump. What causes the vessels to clump isn't known.
Risk factors
Hemangiomas occur more often in babies who are female, white and born prematurely.
Complications
Occasionally, a hemangioma can break down and develop a sore. This can lead to
pain, bleeding, scarring or infection. Depending on where the hemangioma is situated, it
may interfere with your child's vision, breathing, hearing or elimination, but this is rare.
Diagnosis
A doctor can usually diagnose a hemangioma just by looking at it. Tests usually aren't
needed.
Treatment
Treating hemangiomas usually isn't necessary because they go away on their own with
time. But if a hemangioma affects vision or causes other problems, treatments include
medications or laser surgery:

 Beta blocker drugs. In small, superficial hemangiomas, a gel containing the drug
timolol may be applied to the affected skin. A severe infantile hemangioma may
disappear if treated with an oral solution of propranolol. Treatment usually needs to
be continued until about 1 year of age. Side effects can include high blood sugar,
low blood pressure and wheezing.

 Corticosteroid medications. For children who don't respond to beta blocker

treatments or can't use them, corticosteroids may be an option. They can be
injected into the nodule or applied to the skin. Side effects can include poor growth
and thinning of the skin.

 Laser surgery. Sometimes laser surgery can remove a small, thin hemangioma or

treat sores on a hemangioma.

Angiosarcoma
. Overview
Angiosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the lining of the blood vessels and
lymph vessels. Your lymph vessels, which are part of your immune system, collect
bacteria, viruses and waste products from your body and dispose of them.
Angiosarcoma can occur anywhere in your body, but it most often occurs in the skin on
your head and neck. Rarely, angiosarcoma may form in the skin on other parts of your
body, such as the breast. Or it may form in deeper tissue, such as the liver and the
heart. Angiosarcoma can occur in areas previously treated with radiation therapy.
Angiosarcoma treatment depends on where the cancer is located. Treatment options
may include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Symptoms
Angiosarcoma signs and symptoms may vary based on where the cancer occurs.
Angiosarcoma that affects the skin

Most often, angiosarcoma occurs in the skin on the head and neck, particularly the
scalp. Signs and symptoms of this form of angiosarcoma include:

 A raised, purplish area of skin that looks like a bruise

 A bruise-like lesion that grows larger over time

 A lesion that may bleed when scratched or bumped

 Swelling in the surrounding skin

Angiosarcoma that affects organs

When angiosarcoma affects organs, such as the liver or the heart, it often causes pain.
Other symptoms depend on the location of the angiosarcoma.
Causes
It's not clear what causes most angiosarcomas, though doctors have identified factors
Something happens that causes a cell in the lining of a blood vessel or lymph vessel to
develop an error (mutation) in its genetic code. The mutation tells the cell to grow
quickly, making more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells continue living when other
cells would die.
The result is a buildup of abnormal cells that grows from the affected blood vessel or
lymph vessel. With time, cells may break off and spread (metastasize) to other areas of
the body.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of angiosarcoma include:

 Radiation therapy. Treatment with radiation for cancer or other conditions may

increase your risk of angiosarcoma. A rare complication of radiation therapy,
angiosarcoma typically occurs five to 10 years after treatment.

 Swelling caused by lymph vessel damage (lymphedema). Lymphedema is

swelling caused by a backup of lymph fluid that occurs when the lymphatic system
is blocked or damaged. Lymphedema is a risk whenever lymph nodes are removed
 during surgery — a technique that's often used to treat cancer. Lymphedema can
also occur in response to infection or other conditions.

 Chemicals. Liver angiosarcoma has been linked to exposure to several chemicals,

including vinyl chloride and arsenic.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used in angiosarcoma diagnosis include:

 Physical exam. Your doctor will thoroughly examine you to understand your

condition.

 Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy). Your doctor will remove a

sample of suspicious tissue for laboratory testing. Analysis in the lab can detect
cancer cells and determine certain characteristics of your cancer cells that may
help guide your treatment.

 Imaging tests. Imaging tests can give your doctor an idea of the extent of your
cancer. Tests may include MRI, CT and positron emission tomography (PET).
Which tests you undergo will depend on your particular situation.

Treatment
Which angiosarcoma treatment is best for you depends on your cancer's location, its
size and whether it has spread to other areas of your body.

Treatment options may include:

 Surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the angiosarcoma entirely. Your

surgeon will remove the cancer and some of the healthy tissue that surrounds it. In
some cases surgery may not be an option, for example, if the cancer is very large
or has spread to other areas of the body.

 Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays

and protons, to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is sometimes used after surgery
to kill any cancer cells that remain. Radiation therapy may also be an option if you
can't undergo surgery.

 Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs or chemicals to kill

cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be an option if your angiosarcoma has spread to
other areas of your body. In certain situations, it may be combined with radiation
therapy if you can't undergo surgery.