Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which statement about strawberry hemangiomas in infants is false?

1. Most will involute spontaneously by 18 to 24 months

2. Watchful waiting is the most useful strategy

3. Hemangiomas should be treated with laser therapy if unresolved by 12 months

4. Strawberry hemangiomas are benign

The correct answer is: Hemangiomas should be treated with laser therapy if unresolved by 12 months

The assertion regarding the treatment of strawberry hemangiomas reflects the understanding of their natural history and treatment protocols. Strawberry hemangiomas, a common type of capillary hemangioma in infants, typically undergo spontaneous involution. Most of these lesions resolve themselves by the age of 18 to 24 months without necessitating intervention. Watchful waiting is indeed the most useful and effective approach during this period, as the majority of hemangiomas are benign and do not require treatment unless they cause functional impairment or extensive cosmetic concerns. While it is true that some cases may warrant intervention, such as with laser therapy, this is generally considered more a nuanced decision based on individual circumstances rather than a standard treatment mandated at 12 months. Therefore, stating that hemangiomas should be treated with laser therapy if unresolved by 12 months is misleading. Intervention is usually not required solely based on the lesion's persistence but should be adapted to the specific clinical scenario. This context clarifies that the claim in that statement does not align with the preferred management practices for strawberry hemangiomas.