MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Cherry angioma

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Cherry angioma

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms	Exams and Tests Treatment Outlook (Prognosis) Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional

Illustrations

Skin layers

Alternative Names Return to top

Angioma - cherry; Senile angioma

Definition Return to top

A cherry angioma is a noncancerous (benign) skin growth.

Causes Return to top

Cherry angiomas 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.

Symptoms Return to top

Skin lesion or growth:

Bright cherry-red
Small -- pinhead size to about 1/4 inch in diameter
Smooth

Exams and Tests Return to top

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 Return to top

Cherry angiomas generally 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
Surgery

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

Cherry angiomas are noncancerous and generally harmless. Removal usually does not cause scarring.

Possible Complications Return to top

Bleeding if they are injured
Changes in appearance
Psychological distress

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

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.

Also call if the appearance of a cherry angioma or any skin lesion changes.

Update Date: 10/3/2008

Updated 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.

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