Cherry Angiomas: What You Need to Know
Cherry angiomas, also known as Campbell de Morgan spots, are common skin growths that usually appear in middle-aged and older adults. These small, red bumps are made up of clusters of tiny blood vessels and are generally harmless. However, they can be a cosmetic concern for some people or cause worry if they change in appearance.
What Are Cherry Angiomas?
Cherry angiomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths that occur when capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body, multiply excessively. They typically form on the trunk but can also appear on other parts of the body. These spots are often dome-shaped, bright red to dark red, and range in size from a pinpoint to about 0.4 cm in diameter. One key feature of cherry angiomas is that they usually don’t turn white when pressed (a process called blanching).
Though their exact cause isn’t fully understood, researchers have linked some cases to genetic mutations, particularly in the GNAQ and GNA11 genes, which are also associated with other vascular conditions like port wine stains.
Who Gets Cherry Angiomas?
Cherry angiomas are most common in adults over 30, and their likelihood increases with age. While they are visible on all skin types, they may be harder to notice on darker skin tones. These spots can appear suddenly and may increase in number over time.
How Are They Diagnosed?
Doctors typically diagnose cherry angiomas by examining their appearance. In some cases, a dermatoscope—a tool that magnifies and lights up the skin—may be used to get a closer look. Under magnification, these lesions often show "lagoons" of red, purple, or even blue-black colors, which are clusters of blood vessels.
It’s essential to differentiate cherry angiomas from more serious conditions, like amelanotic melanoma, which may appear similar but tend to grow quickly or bleed easily. If a lesion looks suspicious or has recently changed, a doctor may recommend removing it for further testing.
Treatment Options
Most cherry angiomas don’t need treatment unless they bleed frequently or cause cosmetic concerns. However, there are several methods to remove them:
Electrocautery: Small lesions can be burned off using an electric current after numbing the area with a local anesthetic.
Shave Excision: For larger growths, doctors can shave off the bump and cauterize the base to stop bleeding.
Laser Therapy: Lasers targeting blood vessels can treat superficial angiomas effectively.
Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen, causing it to shrink and fall off.
While these procedures are effective, new cherry angiomas may still appear over time since there’s no way to prevent them.
Living with Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are a natural part of aging for many people and are usually harmless. If you notice new or changing spots, it’s always a good idea to have them checked by a doctor to rule out other conditions. For those bothered by the appearance of these spots, several treatment options can help restore confidence.