A cherry angioma is a noncancerous, benign skin growth comprised of blood vessels. These growths are fairly common and can appear most anywhere on the body. They have a bright, cherry-red color and vary in size from a pinhead to about ¼ inch. Cherry angiomas spontaneously appear for most people in middle age, but it can be seen in younger people as well. While the cause is unknown, they tend to be genetic.
Rarely do cherry angiomas need to be treated or removed. However, if it is cosmetically unattractive or bleeds often, it can be removed by burning, freezing or shaving. In most patients, the number and size of cherry angiomas increases with advanced age. They are harmless, except in very rare cases that involve a sudden appearance of many angiomas in one spot, which can be a sign of a developing internal malignancy.
Don’t hesitate to have a dermatologist look at a skin growth like cherry angioma. While they can be harmless, it’s not always the case.
If you need more serious help with skin issues or something else that is troubling your skin, we are here to help. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.
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