Overview
A cherry angioma is a noncancerous (benign) skin growth.
Symptoms
Skin lesion or growth:
Bright cherry-red
Small -- pinhead size to about 1/4 inch in diameter
Smooth
Treatment
Cherry angiomas generally do not need to be treated. If they are cosmetically unattractive or they bleed often, angiomas may be removed by:
Burning (electrosurgery/cautery)
Freezing (cryotherapy)
Laser
Surgery
Causes
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.
Tests & diagnosis
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.
Prognosis
Cherry angiomas are noncancerous and generally harmless. Removal usually does not cause scarring.
Complications
Bleeding if they are injured
Changes in appearance
Psychological distress
When to contact a doctor
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.
