Questions in the
Maternal and Child Health Forum
have been answered by
doctors from Henry Ford Health System.
| |
|
Subject: Re: Hemangiomas My 10 week old daughter has a hemangioma on her vagina. It initially started on the outside, but as it started growing, it has grown to the inside of her folds. The doctors told us to be thankful that it is in a place where no one can see it, but that was before she started having problems with it. The mark has what they call ulcerated. It looks like an open sore. Each time she dirties her diaper, she instantly screams. It is so sore that we cannot even wipe her. We use a bottle to squirt warm water to clean her, because to touch her causes her so much pain. My question is, is this normal? How long will this last? Does this mean that it is going away? We have asked her doctor these questions,but no one seems to be able to give us any answers. They do not want to give her steroid shots due to her being 5 weeks premature and being small. I have a friend that had a son who has one and it caused him to have a "tethered spine" and has to have surgery. Is this something I need to worry about also? I appreciate any help or advice you can give me or if anyone has had a similar experience, how do you make it better? We feel like we have tried everything. She is such a good natured child, except for when it starts burning. It is so hard to watch her be in so much pain. Even after getting her cleaned up, it takes a while to calm her down. Please help!! Thanks,
___ Dear Suzanne, The vagina is a very rare spot for a hemangioma indeed. I wish I could predict it's course for you, but they are very unpredictable: some resolve on their own within a few years, and other types continue to grow and surgical intervention must be taken. Your pediatrician can refer you to a pediatric surgeon who is qualified with these masses, or possibly a vascular or plastic surgeon. You might want to call the physician referral line at your closest Children's hospital or University Medical Center. Your pediatrician should be able to recommend a mosture barrier ointment to apply liberally to the ulcerated area. Observe closely for signs of infection: drainage, swelling, fever, increased pain and redness. Also watch for inability to void and bleeding. These need immediate intervention to prevent further complications from developing. HFHS.RN-AM | |
|
