Angioma

An angioma is a benign growth of blood vessels in the skin that appears a a raised red area that may blanch when compressed.   Angiomas can be bright red and very small. At times angiomas are present at birth and may resolve over time. However, sometimes the remain into adulthood.

The Cherry Angioma is more age related and may appear during adult hood, most times around the age of 30. It is for this reason Cherry Angiomas are also called Senile Angiomas.  

Spider angiomas are also seen in children and are benign as well.

Angiomas can appear anywhere on the body but the most common areas are the upper torso and arms. Most of the time they are small about 1/4 inch in diameter and blanch when compressed. If a larger angioma is scratched or cut it will bleed, sometimes seemingly profusely but pressure on the would will stop the bleeding.

Spider Angiomas look different, they have a small red or dark core and spread outward like the legs of a spider.The color of the spider angioma vary from red to purple but again are benign. The spider angioma tend to appear on the face, cheeks, nose and upper torso.

While the majority of Angioma are benign vessels that are tufted and meaningless some could be a sign of internal disease. If you are suddenly noticing the production of multiple Angiomas it would be wise to have a medical evaluation.

Persons with liver disease may develop multiple Angiomas especially around the nose and cheeks, its likely from a high estrogen level.

Pregnancy and hormonal changes can also cause the development of Angioma.

Angioma are unsightly and annoying but in general harmless so nothing needs to be done. There are several treatments available for removing your Angioma. These Angioma treatments include:

1. Electro Cautery
2. Surgical Excision
3. Chemical Freezing
4. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is very effective but requires a specific laser for vascular lesions such as the Excel V or Dye Pack V Beam. These lasers will feel hot and possibly sting when fired upon the Angioma but that stops immediately after the treatment. These lasers will coagulate the Angioma in just a few session, and on occasion after a single session.