5 week old with forehead hemangiona-please help!

kate · #1 01-10-2011, 11:25 PM

Please see photo. not sure what to do about this. Appeared at birth as a much smaller pink mark and has grown considerably and she is only 5 weeks old! Looks like there's a bit of grey in the middle but I think this appeared when she scratched it(it didn't bleed) about 2-3 wks ago. I live in NZ. Is this likely to grow a lot bigger? Anyone with similar? We are very worried.
Thanks!

kate · #2 01-10-2011, 11:36 PM

Sorry, here is the photo!

KatieG · #3 01-11-2011, 12:27 AM

I would say if its that big at 5 weeks it could get a lot larger. Has she been seen by anyone?

kate · #4 01-11-2011, 12:48 AM

No, not yet. Midwife just said it will go in 6-12 mths but that's a bit hard to believe!Having first Paed check today as they have been on holiday apparantly and big shortage here....

nickbar · #5 01-11-2011, 01:25 AM

I would recommend keeping a photo journal of the changes and see a specialist. Check out the website for anyone in your area. Graying in the center can be a sign of a couple things. I) it could be sign of involution 2) watch for it getting darker/black... rapid growth can cause hemangiomas to ulcerate. Please feel free to email me directly as well.

phoenixihc · #6 01-13-2011, 04:50 PM

Hi Kate, My daughter has a very similar one (i'll and post a mic.. not sure how). Her's grew until she was about 8-9 months old then stopped. She started on a medication called propanolol since she also had a deep hamgioma under her eye. But the results have also been seen on her forehead hemangioma.

Missy.. where do I send pics to post?

missy · #7 01-13-2011, 10:35 PM

You can send photos as attachments to contact@birthmark.org and I'll resize them and post them.

Missy

mperron · #8 01-14-2011, 05:27 AM

Hi Katie,

I find that their is a lot of misinformation about hemangiomas, even from medical professionals (i.e. midwife) whom we put a lot of trust and faith into their opinions. Sadly though, I've come to realize that we need to do our own research and educate ourselves to make informed decisions.

I also think it would be beneficial for you to speak with a specialist. Many are great, and will give you an opinion via email. For example, you can send Dr. Waner a email by going to his clinics website (NYC Vascular Anomolies). Sorry don't have the email address handy.

Wishing you and your little one the best of luck!

kate · #9 01-14-2011, 06:02 AM

Thank you for your replies! It seems to be greying in places but still very red and spreading on the outside and there is a bump forming underneath...Pediatrician said he would prescribe propanolol but never done so before and wasn't able to admit her to hospital at the beginning to monitor and sounded like any monitoring was up to me, all he would do was prescribe it. Went to Dermatologist today but she didn't know much either.Getting frustrated....There doesn't seem to be any specialist here in the city I live in or even the South Island. I have emailed Dr. Waner but no reply and have also emailed a Dr. here in NZ that seems to be the only specialist in the country but no reply. Does anyone have a good specialist in Australia as I am willing to travel if needed.....???

missy · #10 01-14-2011, 12:53 PM

Here ya go!