Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2003 May-Jun;5(3):229-34.

A psychological profile of children with hemangiomas and their families.

Williams EF 3rd, Hochman M, Rodgers BJ, Brockbank D, Shannon L, Lam SM.
Division of Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychosocial impact of hemangiomas and their treatment on children with the disease and their families. DESIGN: Thirty-nine children who were treated for hemangiomas were examined by a questionnaire that addressed the emotional attitudes of the parent and child toward the disease and the related treatment. SETTING: Two private ambulatory surgery centers (in Latham and Charleston). RESULTS: Overall, the survey found a negative effect on the child's family, with considerable fear caused in part by adverse public commentary or attitudes--which was ameliorated by education from the primary care provider and specialist. However, the family's perception was that the child was not deeply affected by his or her condition and that treatment (laser, intralesional corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, surgery, or a combination) did not change the child's emotional response to the disease. However, most parents observed that their child was too young to appreciate his or her malady. CONCLUSION: Given earlier intervention for children with late-involuting hemangiomas and the advent of more effective therapies, our survey did not seem to indicate that the children experienced significant emotional trauma from their condition; nevertheless, their families experienced appreciable emotional and psychological distress.
PMID: 12756116 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]