After nearly a year of uncertainty it was decided that the mass growing in the parotid area would be excised.  Mary and her mom made the journey from Chicago to Cincinnati in May 2006.  Dr. Ellaru a pediatric ENT at CCHMC affiliated with the Hemangioma & Vascular Malformation Center performed the surgery. 

The pathology report concluded that Mary had a hemangioma.  It is not clear why Mary's hemangioma did not develop until 11 months of age.  There is some question as to the oral steroids Mary was taking during the first year but this is not conclusive since the dose of the steroids was very low.  Mary's parents are very happy with the outcome of the surgery and the peace of mind of know that the vascular anomaly was a hemangioma.

NOVA PROVIDES THIS INFORMATION TO FAMILIES AS A RESOURCE. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE OR TO REPLACE THE PHYSICIAN. NOVA DOES NOT CLAIM TO HAVE MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE. NOVA DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY PARTICULAR PHYSICIAN, TREATING FACILITY OR TREATMENT PROTOCAL. IN ALL CASES NOVA AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU SEEK THE OPINION OF A PHYSICIAN EXPERIENCED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEMANGIOMAS AND VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS. 

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