Cherry Angioma
Common, harmless red growths made of small blood vessels
Quick Facts
- Type: Benign skin growth
- Appearance: Small, smooth, bright red or purple bump
- Common sites: Trunk, arms, shoulders
- Risk: Harmless (not cancerous)
Overview
A cherry angioma is a common, harmless skin growth made up of a cluster of small, dilated blood vessels. It appears as a smooth, round, bright red or purplish bump, which gives it its name. Cherry angiomas are also known as Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas, though they can appear well before old age.
These growths are very common in adults and tend to increase in number with age. They most often appear on the trunk, but can occur on the arms, shoulders, and elsewhere. Cherry angiomas are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not turn into cancer. They usually need no treatment unless they are bothersome, bleed, or change in a way that prompts evaluation.
Symptoms
Cherry angiomas are usually easy to recognize by their appearance:
- Small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps, often the size of a pinhead to a few millimeters
- Bright cherry-red, or sometimes purple or bluish, color
- Flat or slightly raised
- Painless and usually not itchy
- Most commonly on the trunk, arms, and shoulders
They generally do not cause symptoms. However, because they contain blood vessels, a cherry angioma can bleed if it is scratched, rubbed, or injured. Any spot that grows quickly, changes color, has an irregular border, or bleeds without injury should be checked by a doctor to rule out other skin conditions.
Causes
The exact cause of cherry angiomas is not fully understood. They form when small blood vessels in the skin cluster and dilate, creating the visible red bump. Factors associated with them include:
- Aging: They become more common and increase in number as people get older.
- Genetics: A tendency to develop them often runs in families.
- Hormonal changes: Some appear or increase during pregnancy.
Cherry angiomas are not caused by infection, are not contagious, and are not related to sun exposure in the way some other skin growths are.
Risk Factors
- Older age
- A family history of cherry angiomas
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes
- They are very common, and most adults develop at least one over time
Diagnosis
Cherry angiomas are usually diagnosed simply by their typical appearance during a skin examination. A doctor or dermatologist can often recognize them at a glance. When the diagnosis is uncertain, or if a spot looks unusual:
- Dermoscopy: A magnified, lighted examination of the skin can confirm the features.
- Biopsy: Rarely, a small sample is taken to rule out other conditions if a lesion looks atypical.
Most cherry angiomas need no testing at all.
Treatment
Cherry angiomas are harmless and usually do not need treatment. Removal may be chosen for cosmetic reasons, or if a lesion bleeds repeatedly or is irritated by clothing or jewelry.
- Laser treatment: A laser can target and fade the small blood vessels.
- Electrocautery: Burning the lesion with a small electrical current.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen.
- Shave removal: Removing the lesion with a minor procedure.
These are minor procedures usually done in a clinic. It is best not to try to remove a cherry angioma yourself, as it can bleed. New or changing lesions should be evaluated before any removal.
Prevention
- Cherry angiomas cannot be reliably prevented, as they are linked to aging and genetics
- Avoid scratching or picking at them to prevent bleeding
- Protect existing ones from rubbing by clothing or jewelry if they are easily irritated
- Keep an eye on any spot that changes and have it checked
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if a red spot grows quickly, changes color or shape, has an irregular border, or bleeds without an obvious injury, so that other skin conditions, including skin cancer, can be ruled out. Also see a doctor if a cherry angioma bleeds repeatedly or is bothersome and you wish to have it removed. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding from a knocked angioma, and seek care if bleeding does not stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cherry angiomas dangerous?
No. Cherry angiomas are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not turn into cancer. They are harmless, though they can bleed if scratched or injured.
What causes cherry angiomas?
They form when small blood vessels in the skin cluster and dilate. Their exact cause is not fully known, but aging, genetics, and hormonal changes such as pregnancy are associated with them.
Do cherry angiomas need to be removed?
Usually not, since they are harmless. Removal is a personal choice for cosmetic reasons or if a lesion bleeds repeatedly or is irritated, and can be done with laser, freezing, electrocautery, or a minor procedure.
When should I worry about a red spot on my skin?
See a doctor if a spot grows quickly, changes color or shape, has an irregular border, or bleeds without injury. These features can occur with other skin conditions, including skin cancer, and should be checked.
Should I try to remove a cherry angioma at home?
No. Because cherry angiomas contain blood vessels, removing one yourself can cause bleeding and infection. Have it removed by a healthcare professional if it bothers you.
References
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cherry angioma.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Benign skin growths.
- Mayo Clinic. Skin growths and lesions.
- DermNet. Cherry angioma.