Birthmarks – children's surgery

Specialty: Children's surgery
Age group: Children

Criteria for referral to public hospital service

• Five or more haemangiomas
• Haemangioma involving the eyes, ears, mouth or perineum
• Large haemangiomas (greater than 3 centimetres)
• Ulcerated haemangioma
• Other birthmarks causing significant cosmetic concern (e.g. on the face) or functional impairment.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Findings on physical examination
• Details of onset, duration, site, number of haemangioma and if the haemangioma(s) are ulcerated, bleeding or still growing
• Child’s age.

Provide if available

• Colour photograph(s) – with patient’s consent where secure image transfer, identification and storage is possible. These images often assist with identifying clinical urgency and the most appropriate specialist clinic or service
• Statement about the parent(s) or guardian’s interest in having surgical treatment if that is a possible intervention
• If the child identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• If the child is neurodiverse, gender diverse or has a disability
• If the child has a preferred language other than English and if they rely on cultural or linguistic support (e.g. Aboriginal cultural support, an interpreter)
• If the child lives in out-of-home care (foster care, kinship care, permanent care or residential care)
• If the child is aged 14-18 years, do they consent that their health information is shared with their parent, guardian or carer.

Additional comments

The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Prompt referral for infantile haemangioma is required for timely treatment.

Note there are dermatology statewide referral criteria for Birthmarks in children.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

• Birthmarks that have stopped growing or have been adequately managed
• Other haemangiomas.