An angioma is a common and usually harmless growth composed of blood vessels. These growths can appear on or under the skin and are generally considered benign. They represent an abnormal collection of small blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. Angiomas are frequently encountered as individuals age, but they can also be present from birth or develop in early life.
Understanding Angiomas
Angiomas are vascular anomalies, an unusual formation of blood or lymphatic vessels. They form when endothelial cells, lining blood vessels, proliferate abnormally. Unlike other skin lesions, their primary component is a network of extra blood vessels, giving them a distinct appearance, often red, blue, or purple.
While some vascular anomalies are classified as tumors, angiomas are benign and do not spread. They are categorized as vascular tumors, characterized by the rapid proliferation of blood vessel cells, which leads to the visible mass or lump.
Common Types of Angiomas
Several types of angiomas exist. Cherry angiomas (Campbell de Morgan spots) are common in middle-aged and older adults, appearing as small, firm, red to purple papules, 0.1 to 1 cm, often on the trunk. Spider angiomas (nevus araneus) feature a central red spot with tiny blood vessels radiating, resembling a spider’s legs, often seen on the face, neck, and upper chest.
Venous lakes (phlebectasias) are soft, compressible dark blue or purple lesions, often found on the lips, ears, or other sun-exposed areas. They are dilated venules. Less common types include cavernous hemangiomas, made of larger, dilated blood vessels, deeper in the skin or internal organs. Port-wine stains, a capillary malformation, are flat, pink, red, or purple patches present at birth, often on the face or neck, growing proportionally with the individual.
Identifying Angiomas and Their Causes
Angiomas present as distinct skin growths. Their color varies from bright red to purple or dark blue, depending on the type and depth of vessels. They can be flat, raised, or dome-shaped, from tiny specks to several centimeters. Common locations include the trunk, face, neck, and limbs, but they can appear anywhere.
Most angiomas are asymptomatic, causing no pain or discomfort. However, some, such as cherry angiomas, may bleed if scratched or traumatized. The cause of most angiomas is unknown, but several factors contribute to their development. Genetics can play a role; a family history is sometimes observed. Aging is a factor; cherry angiomas become more numerous with age. Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, are also associated with the appearance of certain angiomas, like spider angiomas.
Medical Evaluation and Management
While most angiomas are harmless, medical evaluation is recommended if a growth changes rapidly in size, color, or shape, bleeds frequently, becomes painful, or causes itching. New angiomas in adults, especially if numerous, also warrant a doctor’s visit to rule out underlying conditions. Cosmetic concerns are another reason individuals seek medical advice for removal.
Diagnosis usually involves visual inspection by a professional. If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis or concern about other skin conditions, a biopsy may be performed to examine tissue under a microscope. For many benign angiomas, treatment is not necessary; they are simply observed. If treatment is desired or needed, options include laser therapy (using concentrated light to destroy blood vessels) or cryotherapy (freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen). Other methods include electrodesiccation (using an electric needle to destroy vessels) or surgical excision for larger or deeper lesions. Treatment is often chosen for cosmetic reasons or if the angioma causes symptoms like bleeding or irritation.