Understanding Cherry Angiomas: Causes, Treatments, and Removal Techniques

Cherry angiomas generally don't require medical intervention. Nonetheless, many individuals opt for cosmetic treatments or surgical procedures to eliminate these skin marks.

Also known as cherry hemangiomas, senile angiomas, or Campbell de Morgan spots, cherry angiomas are frequent skin lesions.

These growths are usually benign and pose no health risk unless they start to bleed or change in appearance, which could signal early skin cancer.

Continue reading to view images of cherry angiomas and learn about available removal methods.

What Are Cherry Angiomas?

Cherry angiomas are small skin growths composed of clusters of tiny blood vessels, giving them a characteristic red or purple hue. While they predominantly appear in older adults, they can also develop in people in their twenties or even earlier. Approximately 5% of teenagers may have them.

Appearance of Cherry Angiomas

Typically, cherry angiomas start as tiny, flat, bright red spots. However, their color can range from red to blue or purple. These lesions can vary in color regardless of an individual’s skin tone.

They usually measure between 1 to 5 millimeters and may become slightly raised.

Commonly, they are circular or oval and tend to form on the torso, arms, legs, and shoulders.

They might bleed if scratched, rubbed, or injured.

What Triggers Cherry Angiomas?

Multiple factors may contribute to the development of cherry angiomas, including:

• Natural aging
• Pregnancy
• Genetic predisposition

There is a strong link between cherry angiomas and aging, with over 75% of individuals aged 75 and above exhibiting them.

In some instances, multiple cherry angiomas can appear simultaneously, often associated with underlying health issues like herpesvirus-8 (HHV8) infection or the use of certain medications such as immunosuppressants. This condition is termed eruptive cherry angiomas.

Methods for Removing Cherry Angiomas

Though treatment is not typically necessary, dermatologists can remove cherry angiomas for aesthetic reasons or if they are prone to frequent bleeding due to their location.

Common removal techniques include:

Electrocauterization

Small angiomas can be eliminated using electrocauterization, which employs an electric current delivered through a fine probe.

During this procedure, a grounding pad is placed on the body to prevent electrical surges from affecting other areas.

Shave Excision

This involves shaving off the angioma’s upper layer of skin, often followed by electrocauterization to manage bleeding.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery freezes the angioma using liquid nitrogen, with the number of sessions varying based on the lesion’s size.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatments use focused light to generate heat that destroys the angioma. Types of lasers include:

• Pulsed dye laser (PDL)
• Intense pulsed light laser
• Potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser
• Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser

A 2020 study revealed that patients often prefer PDL due to reduced pain during treatment.

Treatment frequency ranges from one to three sessions depending on the number of angiomas. Minor bruising may occur.

Scarring after removal is rare, but individuals with darker skin tones may experience pigmentation changes with some methods.

Do Cherry Angiomas Disappear Without Treatment?

Cherry angiomas do not resolve on their own, but they can be effectively removed through various outpatient procedures performed by dermatologists.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Although cherry angiomas are mostly harmless, any alterations in size, shape, or color should be evaluated by a dermatologist to exclude skin cancer.

A biopsy, involving the removal and examination of tissue, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

Use resources like the Healthline FindCare tool to locate dermatology specialists near you if you don’t have one.

Are Cherry Angiomas Dangerous?

Cherry angiomas are common and typically harmless. However, if they begin to bleed or change in appearance, it’s crucial to seek medical advice, as these could be signs of skin cancer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do cherry hemangiomas disappear on their own?

Cherry angiomas won’t vanish without intervention but generally don’t cause problems. They may bleed occasionally if irritated.

Should I be concerned about cherry angiomas?

Any noticeable changes in a cherry angioma’s size, shape, or color should prompt a consultation with a dermatologist.

What distinguishes a cherry angioma from a hemangioma?

Angiomas can contain blood or lymphatic vessels, whereas hemangiomas are exclusively blood vessel growths. Cherry angiomas are more prevalent in adults; hemangiomas usually appear in infancy or early childhood.

Summary

Though cherry angiomas are typically harmless, removal may be desired for cosmetic reasons. Dermatologists tailor removal methods based on lesion size and skin type to achieve optimal results.

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