Alternate Names: Angioma - cherry

Causes and Risks: Cherry angiomas are a benign, fairly common skin growth. They are most common after age 40. The cause is unknown. They can occur almost anywhere on the body, but most commonly develop on the trunk. The size of the skin growth may vary. Although they are painless and harmless, cherry angiomas may bleed profusely if injured.

Prevention:

Symptoms:

• skin lesion or growth
  • small, pinhead size to about 1/4 inch diameter
  • bright red (cherry red)
  • smooth

Signs and Tests: Diagnosis is made by the health care provider 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 generally require no treatment. If cosmetically displeasing or prone to bleeding, angiomas may be removed by surgery, freezing (cryotherapy), burning (electrosurgery/cautery), or laser.

Prognosis: Cherry angiomas are benign and generally harmless. Removal usually does not cause scarring.

Complications:

• changes in appearance
• psychological distress
• bleeding

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate cherry angioma and removal is desired.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the appearance of a cherry angioma or any skin lesion changes.