316 - Infantile Hemangioma of the Upper Lip in a 6-Week-Old Female: A Case Report and Review of Benign Vascular Lesions

Abstract: Introduction

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign vascular tumors of infancy, affecting 4-5% of infants. These lesions typically appear during the first few weeks of life and undergo rapid proliferation between 1-3 months of age, with growth completion by 5 months in most cases, followed by spontaneous involution over several years. While most infantile hemangiomas are uncomplicated and self-resolving, approximately 10-12% require treatment due to complications including ulceration. Facial lesions, particularly those affecting the lips, warrant heightened vigilance due to higher rates of ulceration and cosmetic sequelae. Early identification and referral, ideally by 1 month of age, optimizes treatment outcomes during the critical proliferative window.

The differential diagnosis includes congenital hemangiomas (rapidly involuting, non-involuting, and partially involuting subtypes), which are fully developed at birth and GLUT-1 negative, distinguishing them from infantile hemangiomas. Large facial hemangiomas ( >5 cm) may be associated with PHACE syndrome, occurring in approximately 30% of cases with large segmental facial lesions. Current management has been revolutionized by propranolol, now first-line therapy at 2-3 mg/kg/day, with topical timolol maleate reserved for small, superficial lesions

Case Report

A 6-week-old female infant presented with a soft tissue mass of the upper lip measuring approximately 1.4 cm, first noted during the early neonatal period with gradual growth. Physical examination revealed a localized vascular lesion consistent with infantile hemangioma. The infant was otherwise healthy with no associated complications or functional impairment. Given the facial location and proliferative phase, close monitoring was initiated with consideration for early intervention if indicated.



Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by Northwell Health Staten Island University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Dentistry