Cherry angiomas are very common skin growths that appear as small, bright red dots on the body. These lesions often cause concern because they are new growths, prompting many people to wonder if they are a sign of skin cancer. Understanding these spots establishes their nature as benign, non-cancerous entities, providing clarity about these frequently encountered vascular spots.
Cherry Angiomas Are Not Cancer
Cherry angiomas are classified as benign vascular lesions, meaning they are non-cancerous growths composed of blood vessels. They are the most common type of angioma, formed by a proliferation, or overgrowth, of small blood vessels called capillaries in the skin’s upper layer, the dermis. This concentration of blood vessels is responsible for the characteristic bright cherry-red color, which can sometimes appear darker, almost purple.
These lesions typically present as small, dome-shaped papules, usually ranging in size from 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter. Their surface is generally smooth, but they can become slightly raised as they grow larger. The growths are harmless and pose no threat to overall health, making treatment unnecessary unless they become irritated or are removed for cosmetic preference.
Factors Contributing to Their Appearance
The strongest factor influencing the appearance of cherry angiomas is the natural process of aging. The prevalence of these spots increases significantly after age 30, with estimates suggesting that a majority of individuals over 75 years old have them. This indicates that cellular and vascular changes occurring over a lifetime play a significant role in their development.
Genetics are also a major component, as a familial predisposition often exists, meaning they tend to run in families. Specific somatic missense mutations in genes, such as GNAQ and GNA11, have been identified within the lesions, suggesting they are a clonal vascular proliferation rather than simple degenerative changes. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy, can also trigger their appearance, and they have been observed in connection with exposure to certain chemicals, including bromides and butoxyethanol.
Recognizing Lesions That Require Medical Attention
Although cherry angiomas are harmless, it is important to monitor any skin growth for atypical changes. A lesion that exhibits rapid, sustained growth or develops irregular, non-symmetrical borders should be evaluated by a medical professional. The color of a benign angioma is a uniform red, but any change to a dark blue, black, or multi-colored appearance warrants immediate consultation.
Persistent bleeding or the development of an ulceration on the surface of a growth are concerning signs that require professional attention. Vigilance is necessary because other, more serious skin conditions can sometimes mimic a vascular lesion.
Dermatologists perform a differential diagnosis to distinguish a cherry angioma from conditions like nodular basal cell carcinoma or amelanotic melanoma. The sudden, rapid appearance of numerous new lesions, often termed “eruptive cherry angiomas,” may signal an underlying systemic condition and requires medical investigation.
Options for Removal
Removal of a cherry angioma is generally performed for cosmetic reasons or if the lesion is frequently irritated by clothing or shaving. These procedures are straightforward, minimally invasive, and typically completed in an outpatient setting.
Common Removal Methods
A common method is electrocautery, which uses a fine probe to deliver an electrical current to the lesion, destroying the blood vessels with heat. Laser therapy, particularly the Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), targets the hemoglobin in the blood vessels without significantly damaging the surrounding skin. Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to the lesion to freeze and destroy the tissue, causing the spot to scab and fall off within a few days. For larger or more raised angiomas, a shave excision may be performed using a specialized blade to shave the growth flush with the skin surface.