What type of tumor is a hemangioma?

A hemangioma is classified as a benign tumor of the capillaries. This type of tumor typically arises from a cluster of blood vessels that form a growth or lesion. Hemangiomas are usually noncancerous and often found in infants, where they can appear as red, raised marks on the skin. They may grow in size for a period but tend to regress spontaneously over time, leading to their classification as benign.

This distinction is important in clinical practice, as a benign diagnosis generally suggests a more favorable prognosis and often less aggressive treatment compared to malignant tumors. Understanding this helps healthcare professionals manage patient care effectively, recognizing when monitoring is sufficient as opposed to initiating more invasive interventions.