You may notice that Anna has a hemangioma next to her right eye. This is a blood vessel growth that occurs in 2-5% of babies – mostly girls, preemies, or twins. They usually occur on the head and neck within the first six weeks of birth, and can grow for about a year.  However, in most cases, the mark will be gone by the time a child is grown – in fact, half disappear by age 5, even more by age 9, and the majority will be gone by the time a child reaches their teen years. They do not usually need medical attention – however, in the unlikely case that the hemangioma grows larger than it is and begins to obscure her vision, Anna’s pediatrician may suggest treatment.

Are you familiar with anyone who had a hemangioma as a child? What was the experience like?

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