Haemangiomas are benign tumours with increased number of normal or abnormal appearing blood vessels. They are the commonest soft tissue tumours of infancy and childhood and comprise 7% of all soft tissue tumours.

Our study is a retrospective analysis of 120 referred cases of various vascular anomalies in the last 10 years. Eighty cases had confirmed haemangiomas. MRI scan and needle biopsy formed the basis of diagnosis. M:F = 42:38. Mean age at presentation was 34.8 years, with the youngest and eldest patient being 3.5 and 78 years respectively. 5 patients were lost to study. Sites of occurrence were upper limb(32), lower limb(32), axilla(3), foot(5), thumb(1), knee(4), spine(1), posterior chest wall(2). 55/80 patients were managed non-operatively by way of Sclerotherapy/Embolisation, watchful observation or symptomatic treatment. 4/55 cases were assessed to be unsuitable for sclerotherapy and 1 patient was subjected to surgery. 6/55 cases did not respond to sclerotherapy. 25/55 cases were managed with surgical excision. Complete excision was the primary goal of surgery. Intralesional margins were accepted if lesions were close to neurovascular structures. Indications for surgery were 1) Pain with functional and/or developmental disturbance, 2) Sudden increase in size, 3) Recurrent haemarthrosis, 4) Failure of sclerotherapy. There were 3 cases of incomplete excision among those operated. 6/25 cases had recurrence 1-8 years after surgery. Mean follow-up was 38.4 weeks (range6-12 months). We have had a success rate of 81.48% with non-operative management of symptomatic haemangiomas. Surgical excision of haemangiomas has borne 76% satisfactory results for pain relief/functional recovery.

We believe that extensive haemangiomata covering large surface areas are not suitable for surgical excision. Majority of cases can be successfully managed non-operatively by way of sclerotherapy/embolisation and watchful observation. MRI scan coupled with trucut needle biopsy has been most successful for diagnosis. Highly vascular sarcomata can mimic haemangiomas, hence histological diagnosis is crucial.