Cherry angioma
Definition
A cherry angioma is a noncancerous (benign) skin growth made up of blood vessels.
Alternative Names
Angioma - cherry; Senile angioma
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
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).
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
Signs and tests
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
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
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Cherry angiomas are noncancerous and generally harmless. Removal usually does not cause scarring.
Complications
- Bleeding if they are injured
- Changes in appearance
- Psychological distress
Calling your health care provider
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
Prevention
visHeader
References
Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2009.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation
program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and
accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information
and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s
editorial policy,
editorial process, and
privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of
Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (
www.HONcode.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are
provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
©1997-2012 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly
prohibited.
Get the MOST from QualityHealth
- Stories
- Recipes
- Top Searches
- 1. Allergy Seals and Certifications
- 2. Cancer Studies and Statistics
- 3. Fat Facts for Diabetics
- 4. 10 Ways to Tame Your Sugar Cravings
- 5. 4 Ways to Go Healthy at a Coffee Shop
- 6. Exercises to Cure Your Neck Pain
- 7. Overweight With Normal Blood Pressure?
- 8. 5 Ways to Improve Leg Circulation
- 9. Green Tea for Health & Beauty
- 10. How to Pick the Right Makeup Brushes
- 1. Could You Have a Deviated Septum?
- 2. Today's Mammogram Guidelines
- 3. The Benefits of Protein for Diabetics
- 4. How Grief Affects the Body
- 5. Best Food Guide for IBD
- 6. 5 Things to Do Before Your Workout
- 7. A Heart Attack Without Risk Factors?
- 8. How to Handle Arthritis on the Job
- 9. Perfect Nails at Home in 10 Steps
- 10. How to Get More Vitamin D
The material on the QualityHealth Web site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a physician or other qualified health provider. See additional information.