Cherry Angiomas

Angiomas are benign vascular skin lesions that form due to proliferating epithelial cells (cells that line the blood vessels). The most common type of Angioma is cherry Angioma, which usually develops in adulthood over 30. This type of Angioma is rarely seen in infants or children. Cherry angiomas are small, red bumps on your skin found in clusters resembling a bunch of cherries. Though the exact cause of these angiomas is unknown, it is believed that they may arise due to genetic predisposition. They are usually harmless and do not require treatment unless they bleed or cause irritation. Most often, people want to get them removed for cosmetic reasons. The treatment options may include electrodissection, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. 

This blog will explore cherry angiomas to inform you about the condition. This can help you seek medical help when required. 

What is Cherry Angioma?

Cherry angiomas, also known as senile angiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots, are small raised red bumps on your skin. They are usually benign and harmless and not a cause of concern unless they bleed or change appearance, which may be an early indicator of skin cancer. These pin-head lesions can appear anywhere in your body but are commonly seen on your torso, arms, and legs. 

Cherry angiomas are light to dark red and range in size from 2mm to 4mm in diameter. An estimated 50% of adults have cherry angiomas on their skin after age 30, increasing to 75% as they age. 

What Causes Cherry Angiomas?

The exact cause of cherry angiomas is not known. However, several research studies have identified factors that increase your likelihood of developing cherry angiomas. These include:  

• Genetic mutation
• Aging
• Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy
• Chemical exposure to topical nitrogen mustard and bromides
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Increased sun exposure
• Having radiotherapy or chemotherapy
• Diabetes
• Stress 

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Cherry Angiomas?

Cherry angiomas are asymptomatic. They are red-colored, raised tiny bumps that may grow from 1 to 5 mm in diameter. They can be circular or oval. Cherry angiomas are typically red due to dilated capillaries. They usually do not cause pain, discomfort, tenderness, or itching and do not blanch on application of pressure. 

However, the angiomas usually form round, doom shapes with smooth, flat tops as they get bigger. 

How is a Cherry Angioma Diagnosed?

Cherry angiomas are usually diagnosed through clinical appearance and do not require any additional diagnostic tests. 

However, when the diagnosis is uncertain or if it may be confused with other skin conditions, a dermoscopy may help. A small piece of skin tissue is taken from the angiomas and studied under a microscope. 

How is Cherry Angioma Treated?

Most often, treatment for cherry angiomas is strictly cosmetic, as they do not pose any serious concerns. There are several options to treat cherry angiomas. These include: 

Excision

• Your doctor will perform this procedure under local anesthetic (a numbing agent) to ease pain and discomfort.
• The method involves cutting or shaving the lesion from your skin using surgical blades and scalpels.
• This may result in mild scarring. 

Electrodissection

• Also known as electrocautery, it is performed under local anesthesia.
• An electrically charged needle probe is used to contact the abnormal skin tissues, destroying the blood vessels and scraping the angiomas.
• You may be left with a small white scar.

Cryosurgery

• Your doctor will freeze the affected skin tissues using a spray or a swab of liquid nitrogen.
• This leads to the angiomas to blister and peel before falling off. 

Laser Removal

• Your doctor will target a beam of laser light of varying wavelengths.
• The laser light penetrates the skin, and the blood vessels absorb the beam.
• Light energy is converted to heat energy to destroy abnormal tissues.
• The angiomas may gradually fade over the next 2 to 4 weeks. 

When Should You See a Doctor?

Cherry angiomas are benign, harmless skin conditions that do not require you to rush to a doctor. However, if your angiomas bleed, itching, cause discomfort, or negatively impact your facial aesthetics, seek medical advice about the right treatment choice. 

Takeaway

Cherry angiomas are common, benign, and harmless skin conditions that develop due to several factors like genetic mutation, aging, or hormone imbalance, though the exact cause is unknown. These usually appear as tiny pin-head, red-colored, raised bumps in clusters resembling a bunch of cherries. 

Consult your doctor if you are doubtful about cherry angiomas for a thorough clinical examination to rule out other skin conditions or malignancies. Your doctor may recommend the removal of cherry angiomas either through excision, electrocautery, cryosurgery, or laser therapy. 

FAQs 

1. Why are pregnant women at more risk for developing cherry angiomas?

Pregnancy increases the risk of cherry angiomas due to the high hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and prolactin (a hormone made by the pituitary gland) levels. These may reduce in size or completely disappear after delivery. 

2. Can home remedies help remove cherry angiomas?

Several home remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, iodine, and tea tree oil, claim to shrink angiomas. However, proven scientific research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these natural solutions. 

3. Can you prevent cherry angiomas?

Though you cannot wholly prevent cherry angiomas, you can follow the tips below to lower your risk.

1. Eat a well-balanced diet
2. Exercise regularly
3. Hydrate yourself well
4. Avoid excess sun exposure
5. Keep your skin clean and dry
6. Avoid excess smoking and alcohol consumption
7. Avoid specific chemicals like bromides

4. What are eruptive cherry angiomas?

The term eruptive cherry angiomas indicates the sudden development of multiple and extensive cherry angiomas. This may happen as a side effect of cyclosporine or topical nitrogen mustard. 

5. Is it usual for cherry angiomas to bleed?

Cherry angiomas can bleed occasionally and are considered normal. However, prolonged excess bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor. 

6. Is sclerotherapy helpful for cherry angiomas?

Sclerotherapy helps treat cherry angiomas. To shrink the angioma bumps, your doctor may inject 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate directly into the angioma bumps.