Publish date: Posted on
Last updated: November 27, 2024
Keywords #
- cherry angioma
- vascular lesion
- vascular tumor
- hemangioma
Diagnosis #
Cherry angiomas, also known as hemangiomas, are a common type of acquired vascular proliferation of the skin. These are generally asymptomatic lesions whose incidence increases with age, typically starting after the third decade of life.[2] Cherry angiomas are composed of an overgrowth of mature endothelial cells with minimal turnover, and thus carry no malignant potential.[4]
Key Concepts #
- Cherry angiomas are benign.
- Incidence increases with age.
- The pathogenesis is a benign proliferation of dilated mature capillaries.
- Treatment is not required unless desired for cosmetic reasons.
Epidemiology #
Cherry angiomas are more common in adults and typically develop after the third decade of life, with the number of lesions increasing with age.[2] While juvenile hemangiomas have been documented, they are less common and generally undergo involution.[4] Cherry angiomas are the most common acquired cutaneous vascular anomaly.[3]
Clinical Features #
- Cherry angiomas appear as bright red, dome-shaped 0.5-5 mm papules or macules.[2]
- Lesions most commonly occur on the trunk or arms but can occur anywhere.[1]
- Lesions are usually asymptomatic, but may bleed with trauma.
Differential Diagnoses #
- Pyogenic granuloma
- Strawberry hemangioma
- Angiokeratoma
- Nodular basal cell carcinoma
- Amelanotic melanoma
- Lobular capillary hemangioma
Diagnostic Workup #
No diagnostic workup is indicated for cherry angiomas as it is considered a clinical diagnosis. If performed, a biopsy of a cherry angioma reveals numerous capillaries with narrow lumens and prominent endothelial cells arranged in a lobular pattern in the papillary dermis.[2]
Treatment #
No treatment is indicated for cherry angiomas given their benign nature. Intervention can be pursued for cases of bleeding or for cosmetic reasons. Management includes electrocauterization, laser therapy, and curettage.[1,2]
Slide Viewer #
https://utahderm.med.utah.edu/image-viewer/References #
- Higgins, James C., et al. “Diagnosing Common Benign Skin Tumors.” American Family Physician, 1 Oct. 2015, www.aafp.org/afp/2015/1001/p601.html.
- Kim, Jae-Hong, et al. “Cherry Angiomas on the Scalp.” Case Reports in Dermatology, vol. 1, no. 1, 11 Nov. 2009, pp. 82–86., doi:10.1159/000251395.
- Murison, A.R., et al. “De Morgan’s Spots.” British Medical Journal, 10 May 1947, pp. 634–636.
- Tuder, Rubin M., et al. “Adult Cutaneous Hemangiomas Are Composed of Nonreplicating Endothelial Cells.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 89, no. 6, 1987, pp. 594–597., doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12461306.
