Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Cherry Angioma
Cherry Angioma
A cherry angioma, also called a De Morgan spot, is a harmless growth on the skin. It is made up of blood vessels. Cherry angiomas can appear anywhere on the body, but they usually appear on the trunk and arms.
What are the causes?
The cause of this condition is not known, but it seems to be related to advancing age.
What increases the risk?
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You are over the age of 30.
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You have a family member with this condition.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Smooth, round, and red or purplish-red.
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As small as the tip of a pin or as big as a pencil eraser.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a skin exam. Rarely, a piece of the cherry angioma may be removed for testing if it is not clear that the growth is a cherry angioma.
How is this treated?
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A method where heat is used to burn the cherry angioma off the skin (electrocautery).
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A method where the cherry angioma is frozen (cryosurgery). This causes it to eventually fall off the skin.
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A method where a laser is used to destroy the red blood cells and blood vessels in the angioma (laser therapy).
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A minor surgical procedure. A scalpel is used to remove the cherry angioma off the skin.
A cherry angioma may come back after it has been removed.
Follow these instructions at home:
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If you have a cherry angioma removed, keep the area clean and follow any other care instructions as told by your health care provider.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Summary
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A cherry angioma is a harmless growth on the skin that is made up of blood vessels.
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Treatment is not needed for this condition.
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If you do not like the way a cherry angioma looks, you may have it removed.
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If you have a cherry angioma removed, follow any care instructions as told by your health care provider.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
