Once involution is complete, what is the treatment of choice for an infantile hemangioma?

Once involution is complete, what is the treatment of choice for an infantile hemangioma?

• A. Elective surgical excision
• B. Observation
• C. Radiation therapy
• D. Chemotherapy

Answer: (A)

After involution, infantile hemangiomas leave behind scarred, fibrofatty tissue that can cause contour irregularities or cosmetic deformity. The best way to address these residual changes is elective surgical excision to remove the leftover tissue and restore a normal contour, especially when the appearance or function is affected. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy aren’t appropriate for this benign lesion once it has involuted, due to lack of efficacy and potential harms. Observation is reasonable if there’s no cosmetic or functional issue, but when residual deformity is present after involution, surgical removal offers the most definitive, lasting improvement.

After involution, infantile hemangiomas leave behind scarred, fibrofatty tissue that can cause contour irregularities or cosmetic deformity. The best way to address these residual changes is elective surgical excision to remove the leftover tissue and restore a normal contour, especially when the appearance or function is affected. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy aren’t appropriate for this benign lesion once it has involuted, due to lack of efficacy and potential harms. Observation is reasonable if there’s no cosmetic or functional issue, but when residual deformity is present after involution, surgical removal offers the most definitive, lasting improvement.