Epidemiology
A vascular tumor of children, usually in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, that can appear on the limbs or trunk. Follow-up must include skin symptoms and clotting if the lesion grows, hurts, or changes color.
Basic features
It appears as a purplish plaque or nodule, sometimes tender and slow-growing. It can be associated with the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, a serious clotting disorder in which the lesion traps platelets and can cause significant bleeding.
Usual treatment
Observation is appropriate only for uncomplicated lesions and after evaluation by a specialist. Symptomatic lesions or those showing signs of complications require coordinated management (dermatologic, vascular, hematologic, or medication-based).
Outcomes and prognosis
Many uncomplicated lesions remain stable or partially shrink. The Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon is an emergency: seek immediate medical care if the lesion grows rapidly and painfully, if extensive bruising appears, if there is bleeding from the mucous membranes (gums or nose), marked paleness or weakness, or any significant bleeding.