Infantile hemangioma: an overview of the pathology and state of the art of therapeutic approach

Abstract

Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor of childhood characterized by a proliferation of endothelial cells. Infantile hemangiomas represent the main childhood soft tissue cancers and affect 3% to 10% of the population. The tumors are not visible at birth but develop during the first 4-6 weeks of life

showing a typical evolution distinguished by a first rapid proliferation, then a period of stabilization followed by a slow spontaneous regression. The increasing phase can last up to 6 months of age and is supported by a regression phase which can last 3 or 7 years. While most infantile hemangiomas are not a reason for concern, about 12% of cases are of relevant complexity and require specialist consultation for investigation and treatment. Nowadays there are many therapeutic strategies for the management of the condition. The therapeutic outcomes of hemangioma have lately improved thanks to the accidental finding of the efficacy of a beta-blocker, oral propranolol. The aim of our review is to characterize and discuss the current knowledge about the disease and all the available treatments, with a focus on the topical use of propranolol.