What is a hemangioma?

A hemangioma is accurately described as a benign tumor consisting of blood vessels. These tumors typically appear as red or purple birthmarks or raised lesions on the skin, primarily due to an abnormal proliferation of blood vessels. They are usually non-cancerous and may not require treatment, often resolving on their own as a child grows. Hemangiomas are commonly seen in infants, and their benign nature distinguishes them from malignant tumors, which can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

The benign aspect underscores their lack of aggressive behavior, making option B the correct choice, as it highlights the essential characteristics of hemangiomas in terms of their cellular composition and behavior. Understanding this distinction is crucial for medical professionals and scribes in accurately documenting patient conditions and differentiating them from more severe health issues such as malignant tumors, infections, or thromboses.