Infantile hemangiomas can be divided into superficial hemangiomas, subcutaneous (deep) hemangiomas, and mixed hemangiomas. All types of infantile hemangiomas are slightly warm to the touch.1
- Superficial hemangiomas are often described as “strawberry marks” and appear as a bright red tumor with an irregular surface
- Account for 50% to 60% of all infantile hemangiomas1
- Subcutaneous or deep hemangiomas present as protruding tumors appearing under normal or bluish skin
- Make up approximately 15% of all infantile hemangiomas1
- Mixed or combined hemangiomas exhibit a combination of both superficial and subcutaneous characteristics
- Account for 25% to 35% of infantile hemangiomas 1

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Morphological Subtypes of Infantile Hemangiomas
- Focal (localized)1
- Located on the bony prominences
- 60% are located on the head and neck
- Multifocal2
- Multiple hemangiomas that can range in number
- Segmental3
- Cover 1 or more segments of the face and body
- Can grow for up to 2 years
Most infantile hemangiomas are the nodular type, which are discrete, oval or round, and usually not associated with malformations. However, segmental hemangiomas are at a higher risk for complications like frequent ulceration. Segmental hemangiomas may have visceral involvement of internal organs, including the liver, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and brain.1
Segmental hemangiomas may also be associated with developmental abnormalities, including PHACE syndrome, PELVIS syndrome (also known as SACRAL syndrome).1
The acronym for PHACE stands for4:
- Posterior fossa anomalies
- Hemangioma
- Arterial lesions
- Cardiac and aortic abnormalities
- Eye abnormalities
About 20% of segmental infantile hemangioma are associated with PHACE syndrome—88% of which are females.1
The acronym for PELVIS stands for1:
- Perineal hemangiomas
- External genital malformations
- Lipomyelomeningocele
- Vesico-renal anomalies
- Imperforate anus
- Skin tag
In a study of 11 patients with PELVIS syndrome, approximately 73% had digestive abnormalities and about 64% had urinary tract abnormalities.5