Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma (KHE)

About Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma (KHE)

Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare, non-cancerous vascular tumor comprised of blood vessels. It usually grows underneath the skin on the arms, legs, head, and neck or deeper inside the chest or even the abdomen, and its causes are not well known. 

Symptoms

There are many symptoms of Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma (KHE) including:

• Lesions that are red or purple and are painful and swollen.
• Bruising.
• Firm or shiny lesions in texture.

Diagnosis

Columbia doctors are experts in diagnosing a wide range of vascular tumors using testing techniques and methods such as: 

• Imaging such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computerized Tomography (CT) scans.
• Blood tests to check for low platelet counts.
• Biopsies to confirm the correct diagnosis.
• Ultrasound.

Treatments We Offer

Columbia doctors are experts in managing and treating vascular tumors. The goal is to slow the growth of the tumor and to shrink it and in some cases, monitoring as the tumor can go away on its own. When it needs to be treated, Columbia doctors may use a variety of treatment options, including: 

• Medications — used to slow or shrink the tumor.
• Surgery — to remove the tumor.
• Embolization — to cut off the blood supply to inhibit the tumor's growth and shrink it.

Why Choose Columbia?

Although Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is considered a rare condition, but if it happens to your child, you want a team of experts who can diagnose, manage, and ultimately provide a course of treatment unique to your child's disorder. At Columbia, every child receives an individualized treatment plan to achieve the most successful results possible.