D18.0: Haemangioma, any site

Haemangioma, coded as D18.0 in the ICD-10 WHO 2016 classification, refers to a benign, noncancerous tumour of the blood vessels. Despite its ominous name, a haemangioma is not a sign of cancer, nor does it typically lead to cancer. These growths most commonly occur on the skin or in the liver, but they can be found anywhere in the body. Haemangiomas on the skin often appear at birth or in the first or second week of life. They look like a red birthmark that grows quickly for up to 10 months, then slowly starts to fade away. A liver haemangioma often presents no symptoms, and many people discover they have one after undergoing medical imaging for an unrelated reason. The exact cause of haemangiomas is unclear, but it appears to involve a combination of genetic factors and events during pregnancy.