Question

A baby presents to the OPD; the image below shows the findings. What is the probable diagnosis?

• A. Portwine stain
• B. Cavernous hemangioma
• C. Naevus simplex
• D. Capillary hemangioma

Hint:

Capillary hemangiomas are common in infants and usually resolve on their own. Treatment is rarely required unless the lesion interferes with vision, breathing, or other critical functions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The image shows a characteristic appearance of a capillary hemangioma, which is a benign tumor composed of blood vessels. Key points to distinguish capillary hemangiomas from other vascular lesions include:
Capillary hemangiomas: These are the most common benign tumors in infants, often appearing as a raised, red to purple lesion with well-demarcated borders. They are usually found on the face, scalp, or neck. The lesions grow rapidly in the first few months of life, but over time, they tend to regress and may eventually disappear by age 5-10 years.
Portwine stain: This is a flat, purple to red birthmark, typically present at birth and located on the face or neck. Unlike capillary hemangiomas, portwine stains do not regress and tend to persist throughout life. Portwine stains are caused by a permanent dilation of capillaries, not a proliferation of blood vessels.
Cavernous hemangioma: This is a deeper, larger vascular lesion that may present as a soft, bluish swelling under the skin. It is less common in infants compared to capillary hemangiomas, and its appearance differs as it is usually more lobulated and involves deeper tissues.
Naevus simplex: These are often referred to as "angel kisses" or "stork bites" and are common in newborns. They are pink or red and usually found on the nape of the neck, forehead, or eyelids. These lesions are flat and tend to fade within the first year of life, unlike the raised nature of capillary hemangiomas. Thus, the correct diagnosis is Capillary hemangioma, which is characterized by its raised, red-to-purple appearance and tendency to regress with age.