Introduction A hemangioma (he-man-jee-O-muh) is a usually benign vascular tumor derived from blood vessel cell types. The most common form is infantile hemangioma, known colloquially as a "strawberry mark", most commonly seen on the skin at birth or in the first weeks of life. Most hemangiomas occur on the surface of the skin or just beneath it. They often develop on the face and neck, and can vary greatly in color, shape, and size. Because hemangiomas very rarely become cancerous, most do not require any medical treatment. However, some hemangiomas can be disfiguring, and many people seek a treatment for cosmetic reasons. In most cases of hemangioma, treatment does not involve surgery. Instances when surgery may be necessary include for tumors that are deep in muscle or bone, or for tumors on the skin that cause problems with vision, breathing, or eating. Definition A hemangioma is a benign (noncancerous) tumor made up of blood vessels. There are many types of hemangiomas, and they can occur throughout the body, including in skin, muscle, bone, and internal organs. A hemangioma occurs when small blood vessels begin to multiply at an abnormal rate and form a mass or lump. It is possible to have more than one hemangioma. Epidemiology Hemangiomas are the most common tumors of infancy. The true incidence of infantile hemangiomas is unknown. Although they are classically said to occur in up to 10 percent of Caucasian infants, 4 to 5 percent is probably a better estimate. Infantile hemangiomas are generally noticed within the first few days to months of life. Types ? Capillary hemangioma: This is the most common type of hemangioma. It is made up of small capillaries that are normal in size and diameter, but high in number. These capillaries form a tightly packed group held together by thin, connective tissue. When it develops in the skin, a capillary hemangioma is often referred to as "superficial." Due to their close proximity to the surface of the skin