Cherry angiomas are common, benign skin growths that appear as small red dots on the surface of the skin. They are also known as senile angiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots, and they are typically found on the torso, arms, and legs. Cherry angiomas are harmless and do not require treatment, but some people may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
There are several different types of cherry angiomas, each with its own characteristics and appearance. Here is a list of the most common types:
- Classic cherry angioma – This is the most common type of cherry angioma, and it appears as a small, round, red or purple bump on the skin. These bumps can range in size from a pinhead to a pea, and they are usually painless.
- Spider angioma – Spider angiomas are similar to classic cherry angiomas, but they have a central red spot with tiny red lines radiating outwards, giving them the appearance of a spider’s web. They are most commonly found on the face and neck.
- Campbell de Morgan spot – This type of cherry angioma is larger than the classic cherry angioma and can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. They are often raised and may have a rough texture.
- Stellate angioma – Stellate angiomas are also known as starburst angiomas because they have a star-like shape. They are typically small, red or purple, and have multiple branches that radiate outwards from the center.
- Nodule-type angioma – Nodule-type angiomas are larger and deeper than classic cherry angiomas. They can be painful and may bleed if they are irritated or scratched.
- Linear angioma – Linear angiomas are long, thin red or purple lines on the skin. They are most commonly found on the arms and legs and may be mistaken for spider veins.
While cherry angiomas are usually harmless, there are some situations where they may require medical attention. For example, if a cherry angioma changes in size, shape, or color, it could be a sign of skin cancer and should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Causes
Possible causes of cherry angiomas.
- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing cherry angiomas.
- Age: Cherry angiomas are more common in older adults.
- Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, may increase the likelihood of developing cherry angiomas.
- Sun exposure: Prolonged sun exposure may increase the risk of developing cherry angiomas.
- Skin trauma: Trauma to the skin, such as from scratching or rubbing, may lead to the formation of cherry angiomas.
- Liver disease: Some studies have found a correlation between cherry angiomas and liver disease.
- Exposure to chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as bromides, may increase the likelihood of developing cherry angiomas.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes may be more likely to develop cherry angiomas.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as cyclosporine and bromocriptine, have been linked to cherry angiomas.
- Radiation therapy: People who have received radiation therapy may be more likely to develop cherry angiomas.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of developing cherry angiomas.
- Autoimmune disorders: People with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may be more likely to develop cherry angiomas.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation may increase the risk of developing cherry angiomas.
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT): HHT is a genetic disorder that causes the development of abnormal blood vessels, which can lead to the formation of cherry angiomas.
- HIV/AIDS: People with HIV/AIDS may be more likely to develop cherry angiomas.
- Leukemia: Cherry angiomas may be a symptom of leukemia.
- Polycythemia vera: Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder that may lead to the development of cherry angiomas.
- Hepatitis C: People with hepatitis C may be more likely to develop cherry angiomas.
- Exposure to the sun’s UV rays: Exposure to the sun’s UV rays may increase the risk of developing cherry angiomas.
- Aging skin: As the skin ages, it may become more susceptible to the development of cherry angiomas.
Symptoms
Most common symptoms of cherry angioma and what they mean.
- Small red spots: Cherry angiomas are characterized by small red spots on the skin that are usually less than 1/4 inch in diameter. These spots can range in color from bright red to deep purple.
- Smooth texture: The surface of cherry angiomas is typically smooth and uniform, with no rough or scaly patches.
- Round or oval shape: Cherry angiomas are usually round or oval in shape, with well-defined borders.
- Raised appearance: The spots may be slightly raised above the surface of the skin, but are not typically raised enough to cause discomfort.
- Bright color: The bright red color of cherry angiomas is due to the high concentration of blood vessels in the growth.
- Clustered growths: Cherry angiomas can occur as single growths, but they are more commonly found in clusters.
- Size variation: The size of cherry angiomas can vary widely, from tiny pinpoints to growths that are several millimeters in diameter.
- Smooth surface: The surface of cherry angiomas is typically smooth and shiny, with no visible bumps or irregularities.
- No pain: Cherry angiomas are typically painless and do not cause discomfort, although larger growths may occasionally become tender or irritated.
- No itching: Cherry angiomas do not typically itch, although larger growths may occasionally become irritated and cause mild itching.
- No bleeding: Cherry angiomas do not typically bleed, although they may occasionally become irritated and cause minor bleeding.
- No discharge: Cherry angiomas do not typically produce any kind of discharge or fluid.
- No scabbing: Cherry angiomas do not typically produce scabs or crusts.
- No ulceration: Cherry angiomas do not typically ulcerate or develop open sores.
- No infection: Cherry angiomas are not typically associated with any kind of infection or inflammation.
- No changes over time: Cherry angiomas typically do not change significantly over time, although they may occasionally grow in size or number.
- Common in middle age: Cherry angiomas are most commonly found in people over the age of 30, and their incidence increases with age.
- More common in women: Cherry angiomas are slightly more common in women than in men.
- Hereditary component: There may be a hereditary component to the development of cherry angiomas, as they tend to run in families.
- No risk of cancer: Cherry angiomas are benign growths and do not carry any risk of cancer.
Diagnosis
While cherry angiomas are typically harmless, they can be a cause for concern if they bleed or change in appearance. Therefore, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and undergo the appropriate tests to rule out any underlying health conditions.
Here are the top diagnoses and tests for cherry angiomas:
- Physical Examination
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing cherry angiomas. Your doctor will examine the bumps on your skin and ask you questions about your medical history.
- Medical History
Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history, including any medications you’re taking, any allergies you have, and any previous medical conditions.
- Dermoscopy
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses a special microscope to examine the skin. It can help your doctor differentiate between cherry angiomas and other skin conditions.
- Biopsy
If your doctor is uncertain about the diagnosis, they may perform a biopsy. This involves removing a small piece of skin tissue from the bump and examining it under a microscope.
- Blood Tests
Blood tests can be used to rule out any underlying health conditions that may be causing cherry angiomas, such as liver disease or diabetes.
- Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests can help determine if any liver disease is causing the cherry angiomas. Liver disease can cause the blood vessels in the skin to dilate, leading to the development of cherry angiomas.
- Glucose Tests
Glucose tests can help determine if diabetes is causing the cherry angiomas. Diabetes can cause changes in the blood vessels, leading to the development of cherry angiomas.
- Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid function tests can help determine if any thyroid conditions are causing the cherry angiomas. Thyroid disorders can cause changes in the blood vessels, leading to the development of cherry angiomas.
- Ultrasound
Ultrasound can be used to examine the cherry angiomas in more detail. It can help determine the size, location, and extent of the angiomas.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI can be used to examine the cherry angiomas in more detail. It can help determine the size, location, and extent of the angiomas.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan can be used to examine the cherry angiomas in more detail. It can help determine the size, location, and extent of the angiomas.
- X-Ray
An X-ray can be used to examine the cherry angiomas in more detail. It can help determine the size, location, and extent of the angiomas.
- Skin Biopsy
A skin biopsy involves removing a small piece of skin tissue from the bump and examining it under a microscope. This can help determine if the bump is a cherry angioma or another type of skin growth.
- Punch Biopsy
A punch biopsy involves using a small tool to remove a cylindrical piece of skin tissue from the bump. This can help determine if the bump is a cherry angioma or another type of skin growth.
- Shave Biopsy
A shave biopsy involves using a sharp blade to remove the top layers of the bump. This can help determine if the bump is a cherry angioma or another type of skin growth.
- PET scan: A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to create images of the body. It may be used to determine if the cherry angioma is cancerous.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): If the cherry angioma is located near the heart, your doctor may order an ECG to check for any abnormalities.
- Holter monitor: A Holter monitor is a portable device that records your heart’s activity over 24 to 48 hours. This may be used if your doctor suspects the cherry angioma is causing heart rhythm problems.
- Endoscopy: If the cherry angioma is located in the digestive tract, your doctor may perform an endoscopy. This involves inserting a small camera into the digestive tract to examine the area.
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy that examines the colon for abnormalities. It may be used if the cherry angioma is located in the colon.
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): An EGD is a type of endoscopy that examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. It may be used if the cherry angioma is located in this area.
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA): If the cherry angioma is located in a lymph node, your doctor may perform an FNA. This involves using a thin needle to remove a small sample of tissue from the lymph node.
- Mammography: If the cherry angioma is located in the breast, your doctor may order a mammogram. This is a type of X-ray that examines the breast tissue for abnormalities.
- Pap smear: If the cherry angioma is located in the cervix, your doctor may perform a Pap smear. This involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix and examining them for
Treatment
Treatments for cherry angiomas and their details.
- Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the cherry angioma, causing it to fall off. This is a simple and effective treatment that can be done in a doctor’s office.
- Electrosurgery: This involves using an electric current to burn off the cherry angioma. This method is also done in a doctor’s office.
- Laser surgery: Laser surgery involves using a laser to remove the cherry angioma. This method is more precise than electrosurgery and may be a better option for angiomas in sensitive areas.
- Topical retinoids: Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, can be used to shrink cherry angiomas. They work by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.
- Topical steroids: Topical steroids can reduce inflammation and swelling associated with cherry angiomas. They are usually applied to the affected area twice a day.
- Topical vitamin C: Topical vitamin C can help reduce the size of cherry angiomas. It is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, which can damage skin cells.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can help reduce inflammation and redness associated with cherry angiomas. It is applied directly to the affected area.
- Grapefruit seed extract: Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antimicrobial agent that can help reduce the size of cherry angiomas. It is applied directly to the affected area.
- Vitamin E oil: Vitamin E oil is a potent antioxidant that can help reduce the size of cherry angiomas. It is applied directly to the affected area.
- Green tea: Green tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. It can be applied topically or ingested.
- Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. It can be taken as a supplement or applied topically.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. They can be taken as a supplement or consumed through a diet rich in fatty fish.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen can help prevent cherry angiomas from forming in the first place by protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for cherry angiomas. It is believed to work by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin. To use apple cider vinegar, simply apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing off.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is another natural remedy that is believed to help reduce the appearance of cherry angiomas. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that may help to soothe and heal the skin. To use tea tree oil, dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
- Castor oil: Castor oil is a thick, viscous oil that is commonly used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including cherry angiomas. It is believed to work by softening the growths and helping to break them down over time. To use castor oil, apply it to the affected area and cover with a bandage overnight.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a soothing and moisturizing plant that is commonly used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It is believed to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. To use aloe vera, apply the gel directly to the affected area and leave it on for several hours before rinsing off.
- Dandelion root: Dandelion root is a natural remedy that is believed to help reduce the appearance of cherry angiomas. It is believed to work by improving liver function and helping to detoxify the body. To use dandelion root, steep it in hot water to make tea and drink it several times a day.
- Frankincense oil: Frankincense oil is an essential oil that is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help to reduce the appearance of cherry angiomas by promoting healthy skin. To use frankincense oil, dilute it with carrier oil and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
- Garlic: Garlic is a natural remedy that is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help to reduce the appearance of cherry angiomas by promoting healthy skin. To use garlic, crush a clove and apply it directly to the affected area.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural remedy that is believed to have astringent and antiseptic properties. It may help to reduce the appearance of cherry angiomas by promoting healthy skin. To use lemon juice, apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball and leave it on for several hours before rinsing off.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Indian cooking. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help to reduce the appearance of cherry angiomas. To use turmeric, mix it with water to make a paste and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
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