Cherry angioma
Alternative Names: Angioma - cherry; Senile angioma
A cherry angioma is a noncancerous (benign) skin growth made up of blood vessels.
Causes of Cherry angioma
Cherry angiomas are fairly common skin growths that vary in size. They can occur almost anywhere on the body, but usually develop on the trunk.
They are most common after age 30. The cause is unknown, but they tend to be inherited (genetic).
Cherry angioma Symptoms
Skin lesion or growth:
- Bright cherry-red
- Small -- pinhead size to about 1/4 inch in diameter
- Smooth, or can stick out from the skin
Tests and Exams
Your health care provider will probably diagnose a cherry angioma based on the appearance of the growth. No further tests are usually necessary, though a skin biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Cherry angioma
Cherry angiomas usually do not need to be treated. If they are cosmetically unattractive or they bleed often, angiomas may be removed by:
- Burning (electrosurgery/cautery)
- Freezing (cryotherapy)
- Laser
- Shave excision
Prognosis (Outlook)
Cherry angiomas are noncancerous and generally harmless. Removal usually does not cause scarring.
Potential Complications
- Bleeding if they are injured
- Changes in appearance
- Psychological distress
When to Contact a Health Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
- You have symptoms of a cherry angioma and you would like to have it removed
- The appearance of a cherry angioma or any skin lesion changes
Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2009.
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Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.
