REVISITING THE CLASSIFICATION, CLINICAL ASPECTS, AND TREATMENT OF MAXILLOFACIAL HEMANGIOMAS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

The incidence of hemangiomas, originating from hyperplastic endothelium of the blood vessels, has notably increased among the pediatric population in Ukraine. Despite widespread awareness among doctors of various specialties, errors in the accurate identification of their type can reach up to 15%. Notably, challenges in diagnosing deep vascular lesions persist. Leveraging our substantial personal experience on this matter, we aimed to compare our findings with those presented by other researchers in scientific publications. This study is based on the examination and treatment of 46 children, ranging in age from birth to 17 years, presenting various nosological forms of hemangiomas localized on the face and neck, over a span of 6 years. All subjects underwent a comprehensive clinical examination, and in complex cases, additional specialized research methods were employed to determine the optimal course of treatment measures and their extent. Upon comparing our results, we found that investigating hemangiomas with high proliferative activity necessitates the involvement of specialists from diverse disciplines. For larger and deeply situated forms, the initial approach to treatment should involve glucocorticoid therapy or the administration of cardio-selective beta-adrenoceptor inhibitors, followed by subsequent corrective measures. It is important to consider that determining the method and extent of treatment and preventive measures during specialized care stages should be approached on an individual basis. Simultaneously, the application of general clinical diagnostic methods, along with additional and specialized research methods as needed, enables an objective assessment of the clinical situation in each case, facilitating the development of a comprehensive plan to support children throughout all periods of dynamic observation.