Pyogenic Granuloma
A small, fast-growing red bump that bleeds easily
Quick Facts
- Type: Benign vascular skin growth
- Appearance: Small, red, easily bleeding bump
- Common triggers: Minor injury, hormones, pregnancy
- Treatment: Removal and treatment of the base
Overview
A pyogenic granuloma is a common, harmless (benign) skin growth made up of an overgrowth of small blood vessels. Despite its name, it is not caused by infection and is not a true granuloma. It usually appears as a small, shiny red bump that grows quickly over days to weeks and bleeds easily, even with minor contact.
Pyogenic granulomas can occur on the skin, lips, or inside the mouth, and they often develop on the fingers, face, or gums. They are especially common in children, young adults, and during pregnancy. Although they are not dangerous, their tendency to bleed and grow makes treatment common. They are sometimes called lobular capillary hemangiomas.
Symptoms
A pyogenic granuloma has a fairly typical appearance and behavior:
- A small red or reddish-brown bump, often shiny and smooth
- Rapid growth over a few weeks, sometimes reaching a centimeter or more
- A tendency to bleed easily, sometimes profusely, with minor bumps or scratches
- A moist or crusted surface that may form an ulcer
- Usually painless, though it can be tender
The bleeding can be alarming because it may be hard to stop, but the growth itself is not dangerous. Persistent or recurrent bleeding should be evaluated.
Causes
The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors are linked to pyogenic granulomas:
- Minor injury: Many appear at the site of a small cut, scratch, or irritation.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy commonly triggers them, especially on the gums, which is why they are sometimes called pregnancy tumors.
- Certain medications: Some drugs, including a few used for acne or cancer, are associated with them.
The growth represents an overgrowth of capillaries, the smallest blood vessels, which is why it is so vascular and bleeds readily.
Risk Factors
- Recent minor skin or gum injury
- Pregnancy and related hormonal changes
- Being a child or young adult
- Taking certain medications linked to these growths
- Frequent irritation of an area of skin or the mouth
Diagnosis
A doctor or dermatologist can usually diagnose a pyogenic granuloma by its appearance and history of rapid growth and easy bleeding. They may:
- Examine the bump: The typical look and a story of quick growth are often enough.
- Take a biopsy: Examining the removed tissue under a microscope confirms the diagnosis and rules out other growths, including, rarely, skin cancers that can look similar.
Because some skin cancers can mimic a pyogenic granuloma, sending the removed tissue for examination is often recommended.
Treatment
Some pyogenic granulomas, particularly small ones in pregnancy, shrink on their own after the trigger resolves. When treatment is needed because of bleeding or growth, options include:
- Removal with treatment of the base: The growth is shaved or excised and the base is treated (for example with cautery) to reduce the chance it returns.
- Surgical excision: Cutting out the growth, which offers the lowest recurrence rate and provides tissue for examination.
- Laser therapy: An option for smaller lesions.
Pyogenic granulomas can come back after treatment, especially if part of the base remains, so follow-up is helpful.
Prevention
Pyogenic granulomas cannot always be prevented, but a few steps may help:
- Protecting the skin from minor cuts and irritation
- Maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy, when gum lesions are more common
- Caring for any small wound promptly to limit irritation
- Having a growing or bleeding bump treated before it enlarges further
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you have a small red bump that grows quickly or bleeds easily, so it can be diagnosed and, if needed, removed. Seek prompt care if:
- Bleeding is heavy or will not stop with gentle pressure
- The growth keeps returning after treatment
- The bump looks unusual, is darkly colored, or you are unsure what it is
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pyogenic granuloma cancerous?
No, a pyogenic granuloma is a harmless overgrowth of small blood vessels, not a cancer. However, some skin cancers can look similar, so doctors often send the removed tissue for examination to be sure. If a red bump grows or bleeds, it is worth having checked.
Why does a pyogenic granuloma bleed so much?
It is made of a dense cluster of small blood vessels, so even minor contact can break the surface and cause bleeding that may be hard to stop. The bleeding can look dramatic but the growth itself is not dangerous. Firm, steady pressure usually helps control it until you can get treatment.
Will a pyogenic granuloma go away on its own?
Some shrink on their own, especially small ones that develop during pregnancy and resolve after the baby is born. Many persist or keep bleeding, though, and are removed for comfort and to confirm the diagnosis. Removal also lowers the chance of ongoing bleeding.
What causes a pyogenic granuloma?
They often appear after a minor injury or irritation, and hormonal changes during pregnancy commonly trigger them, especially on the gums. Certain medications are also linked to them. The exact reason the blood vessels overgrow is not fully understood.
Can a pyogenic granuloma come back after removal?
Yes, they can recur, particularly if some of the base is left behind. Surgical excision tends to have the lowest chance of return and allows the tissue to be examined. Follow-up helps catch any regrowth early.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. Pyogenic granuloma.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Pyogenic granuloma.
- DermNet. Pyogenic granuloma.
- Merck Manual Consumer Version.