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Cherry angioma

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Skin layers
Skin layers

Alternative Names    Return to top

Angioma - cherry; Senile angioma

Definition    Return to top

A cherry angioma is a noncancerous (benign) skin growth.

Causes    Return to top

Cherry angiomas fairly common skin growths that vary in size. They can occur almost anywhere on the body but usually develop on the trunk.

They are most common after age 30. The cause is unknown.

Symptoms    Return to top

Skin lesion or growth:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Your health care provider will probably diagnose a cherry angioma based on the appearance of the growth. No further tests are usually necessary, though a skin biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment    Return to top

Cherry angiomas generally do not need to be treated. If they are cosmetically unattractive or they bleed often, angiomas may be removed by:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Cherry angiomas are noncancerous and generally harmless. Removal usually does not cause scarring.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of a cherry angioma and you would like to have it removed.

Also call if the appearance of a cherry angioma or any skin lesion changes.

Update Date: 10/3/2008

Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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