Congenital Hemangioma of the Orbit and Lid | Spontaneous Remission Database

Abstract

This study is based on observations made at the Leningrad Oncological Clinic during the period 1958- 1964. During that time 5482 children with 6667 true capillary hemangiomas visited the clinic. Since 803 children had multiple hemangiomas, the authors prefer to base their analysis on the number of hemangiomas seen rather than the number of patients. During a 3-year period 4102 children with 4989 vascular hemangiomas were treated and observed. Among them 2697 tumors were treated by different methods and 2292 were observed with no treatment. Of the 2292 in the no treatment group, 95.9% of the true capillary hemangiomas of the skin disappeared. Subcutaneous hemangiomas regressed somewhat less often; in 81.3% of the cases. Based on their study, the authors conclude that in cases of true capillary hemangiomas treatment can hardly be justified. (Noetic Sciences translation)

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

A female infant was first seen in november 1961 at age two months.

Clinical Characteristics

She had congenital hemangiomas of the strawberry nevus type involving the face, lid, and conjunctiva, and also in the orbit, producing proptosis of the right globe. Small lesions had been present at birth, but had increased in size rapidly during the two months after delivery. Examination showed full ocular movements and no evidence of strabismus. The globe was well protected by the lid.

Remission Characteristics

At age eight months, the first sign of spontaneous regression was seen, with the skin becoming a whitish grey in the middle of the lesion. Regression was steady but slow, and repeat examinations were made at increasingly greater intervals. By 24 months of age, significant regression had occurred.

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Spontaneous regression

Non-Clinical Treatment

Reassurance was given the parents, and the patient was followed at two-week intervals.

Additional Notes

Treatment is not indicated for most patients until the natural improvement has reached the maximum, since conventional methods of treatment may result in greater deformity. The best treatment for most of these patients is zealous neglect.