Intralesional corticosteroid therapy in proliferating head and neck hemangiomas: a review of 155 cases.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to review the effect of intralesional corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of 155 head and neck hemangiomas.


METHODS
In the past 10 years, we have treated 155 proliferating head and neck hemangiomas with intralesional corticosteroid injections. Three to 6 injections of triamcinolone acetonide (10 mg/mL) in monthly intervals were given. Using slides and chart review, the results were assessed 1 month after completion of the treatment.


RESULTS
Eighty-five percent of the lesions showed greater than 50% reduction in volume. Varied treatment response was noted in different classes of hemangioma. Eighty percent of the superficial, 75% of the deep, and 60% of the combined hemangiomas show more than 50% reduction in volume. Further growth was not found after treatment. The postinjection complication rate was 6.4% in this series. There were 2 patients with cushingoid appearance, 5 with cutaneous atrophy, and 3 suffered from anaphylactic shock. We found that lesions showing less than 50% reduction in volume were located mostly in the perioral area.


CONCLUSIONS
Intralesional corticosteroid injections are safe and effective in arresting hemangioma proliferation. Superficial hemangiomas yield the best results.
Chen
M T
MT
Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, ROC.
Yeong
E K
EK
Horng
S Y
SY
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones