strawberry haemangioma
Noun: A strawberry haemangioma is a common, benign (non-cancerous) birthmark or vascular tumor present at birth or appearing shortly after. It is characterized by a bright red, raised, and bumpy surface that resembles the texture and color of a strawberry. This mark is caused by a dense cluster of small blood vessels near the skin's surface. It typically grows during the first year of life but then gradually shrinks and fades, often disappearing completely by the age of 5 to 10 years.
- Noun:
- The pediatrician assured the parents that the baby's strawberry haemangioma was harmless and would likely fade with time.
- Although prominent on her cheek, the strawberry haemangioma began to shrink when she turned three.
- Medical Context: The term is used specifically in pediatric dermatology to describe this type of infantile hemangioma. It is often monitored but rarely requires treatment unless it interferes with vision, breathing, or feeding.
- The strawberry haemangioma near the infant's eye required careful observation by a specialist.
- Strawberry hemangioma (noun): The American English spelling, using 'hemangioma' instead of 'haemangioma'.
- Infantile hemangioma (noun): A broader medical term that includes strawberry hemangiomas as the most common subtype.
- Capillary hemangioma (noun): An alternative technical name referring to the small blood vessels (capillaries) involved.
- Strawberry mark (noun): A common, non-medical term.
- Nevus vascularis (noun): A less common historical or technical synonym.
The term 'strawberry haemangioma' has a single, specific medical meaning. It should not be confused with other types of birthmarks or vascular malformations. The word 'strawberry' in this compound term is purely descriptive of the appearance and is not related to the fruit in any other context.
- a congenital bright red superficial vascular tumor resembling a strawberry; tends to decrease in size during childhood