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Hemangioma Vs. Malignancy

Hemangiomas and malignancies are two different conditions that may affect the skin or internal organs. Each of these ailments has its own distinct set of features, origins and consequences.

  1. Hemangiomas

    • Hemangiomas are abnormal buildups of blood vessels that most commonly occur on the face and neck, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Symptoms of the condition include reddish or purple lesions (raised sores) on the skin and large raised tumors (abnormal tissue growths) that contain blood vessels.

    Malignancies

    • Malignancies are cancerous tumors that result from mutations of cells' normal growth patterns, reports the National Cancer Institute. As a rule, these mutations allow malignant cells to multiply in an uncontrolled manner that threatens the body's normal functions.

    Hemangioma Significance

    • Hemangiomas on the surface of the skin (superficial hemangiomas) typically do not cause health problems. Hemangiomas in the deeper layers of the skin (cavernous hemangiomas) can trigger effects including breathing and eating problems, bleeding, vision difficulties and secondary infections.

    Malignancy Significance

    • Malignancies may spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body and cause additional cancers.

    Additional Facts

    • Hemangiomas are either present at birth, or develop within a few months afterward. Many cases resolve on their own by age 10, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Malignancies can occur at any age, notes the American Cancer Society.

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