Overview

Cherry angioma is a common, benign skin growth characterized by small, bright red or purple bumps on the skin. These growths are composed of clusters of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) and are also known as senile angiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots. Cherry angiomas are non-cancerous and usually appear on the torso, arms, and shoulders, increasing in number with age. While they are harmless and generally asymptomatic, some individuals may seek treatment for cosmetic reasons or if the angiomas become irritated or bleed.

Causes

The exact cause of cherry angiomas is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:

• Age: Cherry angiomas are more common in individuals over the age of 30 and tend to increase in frequency with advancing age.
• Genetics: A family history of cherry angiomas increases the likelihood of developing them.
• Hormonal changes: Some studies suggest hormonal fluctuations may play a role, especially during pregnancy.
• Sun exposure: Chronic sun exposure may contribute to their development, particularly on sun-exposed areas of the body.
• Certain medical conditions: Rarely, rapid development of multiple angiomas may be associated with underlying systemic conditions.
• Chemical exposure: Some chemicals, such as bromides, have been linked to the sudden appearance of cherry angiomas.

Symptoms

Cherry angiomas have distinct characteristics that make them easy to identify. Common symptoms and features include:

• Color: Bright red, burgundy, or purple appearance due to the presence of blood vessels.
• Shape and size: Round or oval, usually small (1–5 mm in diameter), though they can grow larger over time.
• Surface: Smooth or slightly raised from the skin surface; some may have a dome-like appearance.
• Location: Commonly found on the trunk, especially the chest and back, but can appear anywhere on the body.
• Painless: Typically painless but can bleed easily if scratched, rubbed, or injured.
• Increase in number: The number of cherry angiomas often increases with age, and new ones can develop over time.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cherry angioma is straightforward and usually made based on visual examination:

• Physical examination: A healthcare provider inspects the lesions, noting their characteristic red color and shape.
• Dermatoscopy: A dermatoscope may be used to closely examine the vascular structure and confirm the diagnosis.
• Biopsy (rare): In rare cases where the lesion appears atypical or changes rapidly, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions such as skin cancer.

Most cases of cherry angioma do not require any additional testing or biopsy because their appearance is usually distinctive.

Treatment

Treatment of cherry angiomas is generally not necessary unless for cosmetic reasons or if the lesions bleed frequently. Various removal methods include:

• No treatment: As cherry angiomas are harmless, many people opt to leave them untreated.
• Electrocautery: Burning the angioma using a small electric current to destroy the blood vessels.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the angioma with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off after a few days.
• Laser therapy: Using pulsed dye laser (PDL) or other laser treatments to safely remove angiomas with minimal scarring.
• Shave excision: Surgically shaving off the lesion under local anesthesia, often used for larger angiomas.

These procedures are usually quick and performed in outpatient dermatology clinics with minimal downtime.

Prognosis

The prognosis for cherry angiomas is excellent. Key points include:

• Benign nature: Cherry angiomas are completely benign and do not turn into cancer.
• No health risks: They pose no threat to overall health and are primarily a cosmetic concern.
• Recurrence: Treated angiomas generally do not return, but new ones may develop over time, especially with aging.
• Minimal side effects: Treatment methods are generally safe with a low risk of scarring or pigmentation changes.
• Simple management: Most people live with cherry angiomas without any complications, and removal is easy if needed.

With proper treatment, individuals can expect excellent cosmetic outcomes and relief from any irritation or bleeding associated with cherry angiomas.