Should hemangiomas be treated with sclerotherapy?

Not all hemangiomas require sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is only suitable for certain types and cases of hemangiomas, while some hemangiomas may not need treatment at all or can be managed through other approaches. If a hemangioma shows rapid growth or affects bodily functions, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

Superficial or small-to-medium deep hemangiomas, especially venous malformation-type hemangiomas, can be effectively treated with sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a sclerosing agent directly into the lesion, causing necrosis of vascular endothelial cells and occlusion of blood vessels, thereby shrinking or eliminating the hemangioma. The procedure is relatively simple and ideal for patients who cannot tolerate surgery or prefer minimally invasive treatments.

However, not all hemangiomas are suitable for sclerotherapy. For example, hemangiomas located in critical areas such as around the eyes or throat may risk damaging surrounding vital tissues if injected. Additionally, large-sized hemangiomas or those with rich blood supply may respond poorly to sclerotherapy alone, potentially leading to complications such as local necrosis or infection. These cases often require combination therapies.

In daily management, if sclerotherapy is performed, it is important to keep the treated area clean and dry afterward, avoid scratching the injection site, and monitor for any abnormalities such as increased redness, swelling, or pain. Regular follow-up appointments should also be attended as scheduled to assess the healing progress of the lesion.