Cherry angioma is a characteristic benign vascular neoplasm that is observed in almost all individuals over the age of 30. ICD-10 code: D18.0
Lesions appear gradually in adulthood and are equally common in men and women. They are usually asymptomatic. There are some reports of hundreds of angiomas occurring during pregnancy and in patients with elevated prolactin levels, suggesting some role for hormonal factors. Some individuals have a tendency to hypertension. Multiple eruptive cherry angiomas have been associated with exposure to bromides, sulfur mustard gas, and a glycol ether solution of 2-butoxyethanol.
Lesions are scattered and have a diameter of 0.5-5.0 mm, presenting as smooth dome-shaped or polypoid papules, sometimes as numerous small red spots resembling petechiae. In the early stages of development, smaller lesions appear cherry red or ruby red, while deeper lesions are dark maroon or purple. Lesions are most commonly found on the trunk but can also occur on the head, neck, and extremities. The number of lesions can vary from one to several hundred. Superficial trauma may cause hemorrhage. Without treatment, cherry angiomas may persist indefinitely.
Diagnosis is based on clinical features. Skin biopsy is rarely required and shows a well-defined proliferation of dilated capillaries and postcapillary venules within dermis.
- Telangiectasia
- Amelanotic melanoma
- Pyogenic granuloma
- Angiokeratoma
- Cancer metastasis (most commonly renal cell carcinoma)
- Bacillary angiomatosis
- Petechiae in other conditions
Cherry angiomas are benign lesions and can be removed for cosmetic purposes by methods such as electrocoagulation, laser surgery, cryosurgery, or simple excision with scissors. There is a small risk of scarring and depigmentation after treatment.