Can hemangiomas grow larger?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, whether a hemangioma will grow depends on its specific type, the patient's stage, and individual circumstances. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, one should monitor changes in the hemangioma's size, color, and shape, and avoid repeated friction or trauma to the affected area. If rapid enlargement, pain, ulceration, or other changes in the hemangioma occur within a short period, medical evaluation is advised.

In general, whether a hemangioma will grow depends on the specific type of hemangioma, the patient's developmental stage, and individual circumstances. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the hemangioma is an infantile strawberry hemangioma or an adult cavernous hemangioma, and the patient is in a period of growth and development or experiencing hormonal changes, the hemangioma may gradually enlarge over time. These types of hemangiomas often result from active proliferation of vascular endothelial cells or local alterations in hemodynamics, leading to increased volume, which may compress surrounding tissues and cause discomfort.

If the hemangioma is a port-wine stain type in adults or a partially regressed hemangioma in infants, and the patient’s overall health is stable without specific triggers, the hemangioma may remain unchanged for a long period and may even gradually shrink with age. These hemangiomas have relatively mature vascular structures and limited proliferative capacity, so significant changes in size are uncommon.

Routinely, one should monitor changes in the hemangioma’s size, color, and shape, and avoid repeated friction or trauma to the affected area. If rapid enlargement, pain, ulceration, or other changes occur within a short period, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to determine whether intervention is needed, thus avoiding delays in appropriate management.

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