06Ağu

Angioma (Hemangioma)

What Is an Angioma? Types and Symptoms
Are Red Spots on the Skin Angiomas? How Are They Told Apart from Similar Conditions?
Should a Cherry Angioma Be Treated? When Is Intervention Needed?
How Does Infantile Hemangioma Progress in Babies? How Does Treatment Work?
When Should You See a Dermatologist About an Angioma?
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Angioma? Types and Symptoms

Angioma is the general name for benign vascular lesions that form when small blood vessels in the skin multiply or widen. In everyday use, two different conditions are called by this name: cherry angioma (senile angioma) seen in adults and infantile hemangioma seen in babies. Both arise from blood vessels, but their age of onset, course and treatment approach differ. This is why it is important to tell them apart correctly.

Cherry angioma usually appears after the age of 30. It looks like bright red or purple, round, smooth bumps 1-5 millimeters in diameter, most often on the trunk, arms and legs. Their number may increase with age. The exact cause is unknown; aging and genetic predisposition are thought to play a role. They usually cause no pain or itching but may bleed if injured.

Infantile hemangioma, on the other hand, is a lesion noticed in the first weeks after birth, appearing as a red, raised mass or a bluish mass under the skin. The rapid growth phase is in the first months of life; in the following years the lesion gradually shrinks.

There are other vascular lesions that can be confused with angioma. A spider angioma appears as fine vessels radiating from a red central dot; it can occur in children, during pregnancy, with hormonal changes or in some liver diseases. Bluish, soft "venous lake" lesions on the lip or face are a harmless vascular dilation common in older age and in sun-exposed areas. Which lesion it is directly affects the follow-up and treatment plan.

Are Red Spots on the Skin Angiomas? How Are They Told Apart from Similar Conditions?

Not every red spot is an angioma. In conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, redness often comes with itching, scaling or a widespread distribution. Angiomas are usually small, well-defined, solitary bumps.

A simple tip used during examination is how the color changes when the lesion is pressed with a glass surface; however, this method alone does not establish a diagnosis. Conditions such as insect bites, ingrown hairs, red sores and pimples can also cause red bumps. Small red bumps that have been present for a long time and do not change are mostly vascular; lesions that appear quickly, hurt or crust suggest other causes.

Another important situation to distinguish is lesions that are dark, irregularly bordered, or change color and shape over time. Some pigmented lesions and, rarely, skin cancers can be mistaken for angiomas. Therefore, any lesion that is new, growing quickly, darkening, bleeding or not healing should be evaluated by a dermatologist, with dermoscopy if needed. The diagnosis is most often made by examination and dermoscopic evaluation.

Should a Cherry Angioma Be Treated? When Is Intervention Needed?

Cherry angiomas are harmless and often need no treatment. Treatment comes up when the lesion is in a visible area, is constantly rubbed, bleeds, or bothers the person cosmetically.

The methods used include vascular laser, electrocoagulation (drying with electricity) and cryotherapy. The method is chosen by the dermatologist according to the lesion's size, location and skin type. After the procedure, temporary redness, crusting or, rarely, a mild scar or color change may occur; in darker skin types this risk is evaluated more carefully. If a lesion looks suspicious, the diagnosis should be clarified before treatment. New lesions may appear in place of treated ones over time, because the tendency continues in the person.

Squeezing, cutting, burning or tying off the lesion at home is not appropriate. Because angiomas are rich in vessels, bleeding can be uncontrolled and the risk of infection and permanent scarring increases. If a procedure is planned, matters such as the use of blood thinners or aspirin should be reported to the doctor beforehand, and after the procedure the area should be protected from the sun and the care recommended by the doctor should be applied.

Small cherry angiomas can usually be removed in a single session with a procedure lasting a few minutes; several sessions may be needed for multiple or larger lesions. The crust that forms after the procedure falls off by itself and should not be scratched or picked. Protecting the area from the sun during healing helps reduce the risk of color change.

How Does Infantile Hemangioma Progress in Babies? How Does Treatment Work?

Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor common in babies. Most appear in the first weeks after birth, grow rapidly in the first months of life, then enter a stable period and shrink over the years. Although many hemangiomas regress markedly in childhood, some may leave behind a pale area, loose skin or small dilated vessels.

Small hemangiomas that cause no problems are mostly followed with regular monitoring. Those in critical areas such as around the eyes, nose, lips and airway, those that grow quickly, those that form sores (ulceration) and large facial hemangiomas require specialist evaluation early on. In these cases, beta-blocker drugs such as propranolol under the supervision of a pediatric and dermatology team, topical preparations containing timolol for small superficial lesions, or laser for lasting vascular marks can be used. Drug treatment must always be started under a doctor's supervision after evaluating the baby's condition.

A practical tip for parents is to track the growth rate by photographing the lesion at regular intervals in the same light and from the same angle. Because the period of fastest hemangioma growth falls in the first months of life, having an evaluation in the first weeks is important so that treatment is not delayed in risky lesions. Even for babies who do not need treatment, informing the family about how the lesion will regress reduces unnecessary worry.

When Should You See a Dermatologist About an Angioma?

It is appropriate to be examined if the lesion grows quickly, darkens or changes shape; bleeds repeatedly or forms a non-healing sore; many new vascular lesions appear at once; the lesion on your baby is in an area that could affect the eye, nose, lip or breathing; or it bothers you cosmetically. Dermatologist Specialist Dr. Melda Özekinci creates a personalized plan for the diagnosis and follow-up of angiomas and similar vascular lesions according to the type of lesion.

At the examination, the lesion's size, color, surface texture and history are usually evaluated; dermoscopy is performed if needed. Whether treatment is needed and which method is suitable are determined after this evaluation.

Before coming for an examination, noting when the lesion appeared, whether it has grown, whether there is bleeding or itching, and whether similar complaints exist in the family makes it easier to reach the correct diagnosis. In babies, the birth history and the date the lesion was first noticed are also important. In unclear cases, the doctor may request additional imaging or the opinion of another specialty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an angioma contagious?

No. An angioma is not an infection; it is related to changes in the vascular structure and does not pass to other people through contact.

Does an angioma go away on its own?

Cherry angiomas usually do not disappear on their own. Infantile hemangiomas, however, mostly shrink and regress over the years.

What should I do if an angioma bleeds?

Press gently with a clean cloth for a few minutes. If the bleeding recurs or does not stop, see a dermatologist.

Does a scar remain after laser treatment?

Temporary redness and crusting may occur after the procedure. A permanent scar is rare, but the risk varies with skin type and the location of the lesion; therefore a dermatologist's evaluation before the procedure is important.

Can an angioma turn into cancer?

Cherry angiomas are benign and do not turn into cancer. However, since there can be other lesions that resemble an angioma, lesions that change or look suspicious must be evaluated.