Metastatic neuroblastoma mimicking infantile hemangioma

Abstract

Many lesions can masquerade as deep infantile hemangioma, the most common tumor of infancy. We describe an infant with infantile hemangioma and concomitant metastatic subcutaneous neuroblastoma mimicking deep hemangioma. The patient presented at 8 months of age with 3 superficial infantile hemangiomas as well as 3 subcutaneous masses. History, physical examination, and ultrasonography of the deep lesions were consistent with subcutaneous hemangioma. New masses appeared at 10 months of age that prompted biopsy; histopathology demonstrated metastatic neuroblastoma. Deviation from the predictable clinical features of a deep infantile hemangioma should prompt consideration for other causes of a subcutaneous mass in infancy, including metastatic neuroblastoma.