Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Telangiectasia

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Angioma serpiginosum
Angioma serpiginosum
Telangiectasia - legs
Telangiectasia - legs
Telangiectasias - upper arm
Telangiectasias - upper arm

Alternative Names    Return to top

Vascular ectasias

Definition    Return to top

Telangiectasias are small blood vessels on the skin. They are usually meaningless, but may be associated with several diseases.

Considerations    Return to top

Telangiectasias may develop anywhere within the body but can be easily seen in the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes. Usually, they do not cause symptoms. However, some telangiectasias bleed and cause significant problems. Telangiectasias may also occur in the brain and cause major problems from bleeding.

Causes    Return to top

Causes may include:

Diseases associated with this condition include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you notice enlarged vessels in the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms, including:

Tests may be needed to diagnose or rule out a medical condition. Such tests may include:

Update Date: 4/15/2009

Updated by: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.