Hemangiomas vary in their growth and risk factors. Most infantile hemangiomas grow during the first few months after birth then progress to an involution stage where they shrink. This is not the case with non-involuting congenital hemangiomas, or NICHs. These rare vascular tumors stabilize in size and do not involute. However, they also pose less risk than many other types of hemangioma. At the Vascular Birthmark Institute, we evaluate NICH in our patients and discuss treatment options on an individual basis.
NICH tumors are different in their makeup than other hemangiomas. While they may appear similar, they contain no glucose receptors and the blood vessels are in irregular patterns. NICH tumors are benign and are rare, usually appearing as an oval bump that is pink or purple in color on the skin, located anywhere on the body. To diagnose a NICH, a small biopsy of the tumor is removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether it is NICH or another type of hemangioma.
Removing NICH Tumors
While NICH does not normally pose a health risk to the patient, the size of the lesion can be large and will not dissipate without removal. In an estimated 43% of cases, the NICH is located on the head or neck, which can be cosmetically disfiguring. Treatment options are limited to surgical removal. An excision of the tumor with plastic surgery reconstruction is needed to remove the tumor to improve the appearance of the skin.
If your child was born with a non-involuting congenital hemangioma (NICH) and you are considering treatment, contact our team at the Vascular Birthmark Institute today. Our team of vascular plastic surgeons offer the highest level of expertise in removing this rare skin tumor with minimal risk and superior results. Call today to schedule your initial consultation and exam to discuss treatment options.