Background: Hemangiomas are common skin tumors of infancy that have undergone recent changes in nomenclature, methods of evaluation, and treatment.
Objective: To review the nomenclature, epidemiology, evaluation, and treatment of common hemangiomas.
Methods: A literature search was conducted utilizing MEDLINE and the Cochrane library databases. Text search words used were "hemangioma" and "infancy." The clinical experience of the authors was also used to formulate the review.
Results: There have been many advances in nomenclature and therapeutic options for children with hemangiomas. Hemangiomas are proliferative tumors of infancy that should be distinguished from structural malformations, such as port-wine stains and lymphangiomas.
Conclusion: Natural involution remains a viable treatment option for the majority of patients with uncomplicated hemangiomas. Excisional surgery, laser, and pharmacologic remedies are indicated for a subset of complicated hemangioma patients.