MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hemangioma excision

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Hemangioma excision

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Description	Why the Procedure is Performed Risks Outlook (Prognosis) Recovery

Illustrations

Hemangioma excision

Hemangioma excision - series

Alternative Names Return to top

Birthmark excision

Definition Return to top

Hemangioma excision is surgery to remove a noncancerous blood vessel growth.

See also: Hemangioma

Description Return to top

The procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (deep asleep and pain-free).

The surgeon will remove the hemangioma. If the hemangioma was large, the site may be covered with a skin graft.

Why the Procedure is Performed Return to top

This procedure may be used to remove large hemangiomas that cause symptoms or are disfiguring.

Risks Return to top

The risks for any anesthesia are:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

The risks for any surgery are:

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

Cosmetic improvements depend on the size and location of the lesion and the surgeon's skill. Generally, the long-term outlook is quite good.

Recovery Return to top

The hospital stay will depend on the extent of surgery. Complete healing may take up to 6 weeks.

Update Date: 7/25/2007

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.