Cherry hemangiomas, also known as senile angiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots, are benign non-cancerous growths that appear on the skin.

These small red dots are commonly found on individuals over the age of 30, and their prevalence tends to increase with age. While their exact cause is unknown, cherry hemangiomas are generally harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause cosmetic concerns or become irritated.

Appearance and Characteristics

Cherry hemangiomas are typically bright red or slightly purple in color, ranging in size from a pinpoint to about a quarter of an inch in diameter. They are round or oval-shaped, and their surface may be smooth or slightly raised.

Some individuals may have just a few cherry hemangiomas, while others may have dozens or even hundreds scattered across their bodies.

These vascular lesions are made up of an overgrowth of small blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. When the blood vessels become enlarged, they give rise to the characteristic red color of cherry hemangiomas.

Are Cherry Hemangiomas Dangerous?

Cherry hemangiomas are typically harmless and do not pose any significant health risks. They are not an indication of an underlying medical condition or disease.

While their exact cause remains unclear, genetic factors and age-related changes in the blood vessels are believed to play a role in their development.

In rare cases, cherry hemangiomas may bleed profusely if injured or traumatized. Large hemangiomas or those that occur on areas such as the scalp or face may cause cosmetic concerns and may be removed for aesthetic reasons.

If you notice any significant changes in the appearance, size, or bleeding of a cherry hemangioma, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation.

Who is at Risk?

Cherry hemangiomas are common in individuals over the age of 30, and their prevalence increases steadily with age. They are more frequently seen in individuals with fair skin compared to those with darker skin tones.

Research suggests that estrogen may also influence the development of cherry hemangiomas, with higher rates observed in women during pregnancy or while taking exogenous estrogen medications.

Family history may also play a role, as cherry hemangiomas tend to occur in multiple members of the same family. However, further research is needed to fully understand the genetic basis of cherry hemangioma development.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Cherry hemangiomas are usually diagnosed by their typical appearance. In some cases, a dermatologist may perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out any other underlying skin conditions. However, biopsies are rarely necessary.

Treatment for cherry hemangiomas is usually not required unless the growths cause discomfort, bleed excessively, or are considered cosmetically undesirable. In such cases, treatment options may include:.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a popular treatment choice for removing cherry hemangiomas. It involves using a focused laser beam that selectively destroys the blood vessels within the growth while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

Multiple sessions may be required for complete removal, and some individuals may experience temporary redness or swelling after the procedure.

Electrocauterization

Electrocauterization involves using heat from electricity to burn off the cherry hemangioma. The procedure may cause some discomfort and require a local anesthetic.

After the growth is removed, a scab will typically form, and the area will heal within a few weeks.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy the blood vessels in the cherry hemangioma. Liquid nitrogen is commonly used in this procedure.

The growth may initially turn dark or black before falling off, and the area will eventually heal, leaving little to no scarring.

Other Treatment Options

Other treatment options include shave excision, where the cherry hemangioma is cut off using a surgical blade, and sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the growth to shrink and eventually destroy it.

It is important to note that these treatment options are generally considered cosmetic and may not be covered by insurance unless there are specific medical reasons for removal, such as bleeding or ulceration.

Prevention of Cherry Hemangiomas

Since the exact cause of cherry hemangiomas remains unknown, there are currently no effective preventive measures.

However, it is advisable to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and trauma, as these factors may exacerbate the growth or cause bleeding.

Conclusion

Cherry hemangiomas are benign growths that commonly appear on the skin of individuals over the age of 30.

While their exact cause is unknown, they are generally harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause cosmetic concerns or become irritated. Although rare, bleeding or significant changes in appearance should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Various treatment options, such as laser therapy or electrocauterization, can be utilized to remove cherry hemangiomas if desired.