Successful treatment of cutaneous hemangioma of infancy with topical imiquimod 5%: a report of 3 cases

Abstract

Hemangioma of infancy is the most common benign tumor of childhood. Most of these tumors spontaneously regress over several years. However, many parents seek treatment for children with cutaneous hemangiomas because of the potential for disfigurement and the attendant psychosocial effects. We report our use of the nightly application of topical imiquimod 5% cream as an alternative to traditional management in 3 infants who presented with rapidly growing facial hemangiomas. After approximately 3 to 5 months of treatment, all 3 patients had experienced a near-complete resolution of their lesions without significant side effects. Based on our experience, we believe that topical imiquimod may be an important tool for the otolaryngologist who treats cutaneous hemangiomas.