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Inside Cherry Angioma
Cherry Angioma Overview and Identification
Cherry angiomas are common skin growths that can appear on most areas of the body, typically found on individuals over the age of 30. These growths are small, smooth, and vary in color from cherry-red to purple.
A cherry angioma is a benign tumor consisting of blood vessels. It is not cancerous and is generally considered harmless.
- Color: These are bright red to purple spots.
- Size: The size can vary from a tiny pinprick to several millimeters in diameter.
- Shape: They are usually round or oval-shaped.
- Surface: The surface may be flat or slightly raised.
Spots that match these descriptions are likely cherry angiomas. Changes in shape, size, or color should be noted as part of ongoing observations of skin health.
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Causes and FAQs About Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are common skin growths that appear on most areas of the body. They are small, smooth, and bright red, earning their name from their cherry-like appearance. Understanding what causes them and providing answers to frequently asked questions helps in demystifying these benign lesions.
The exact cause of cherry angiomas is not fully understood. However, several factors are thought to contribute to their development:
- Age: The number of cherry angiomas tends to increase with age.
- Genetics: There is a genetic component, as cherry angiomas often run in families.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may trigger the growth of cherry angiomas.
- Chemical Exposure: Evidence suggests that exposure to certain chemicals might play a role in their development.
It is noted that while these factors can contribute, cherry angiomas can develop without any clear reason.
Are cherry angiomas dangerous? Cherry angiomas are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths. They are not a health risk but can bleed if scratched or injured.
Can cherry angiomas be removed? Cherry angiomas can be removed if they cause aesthetic concern or bleed often due to their location. Treatments like laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), or electrosurgery (burning) are available.
Will removing a cherry angioma leave a scar? There is a potential for scarring with any procedure that affects the skin. However, methods used for removing cherry angiomas typically minimize this risk. Options and expected results can be discussed with a dermatologist.
Do they indicate an underlying medical condition? In general, cherry angiomas do not indicate an underlying medical condition. However, if there is a sudden outbreak of many new ones over a short period or significant changes in size or color of existing ones, further evaluation may be necessary.
Understanding these aspects of cherry angiomas provides a clearer picture of what they are and their characteristics.
Understanding Hemangioma Differences
Hemangiomas are a common type of benign tumor affecting blood vessels, often appearing as red or purple spots on the skin. Despite a superficial resemblance, hemangiomas exhibit a wide variety of characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial for their management and treatment.
There are two main types: infantile and congenital.
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Infantile Hemangiomas typically emerge after birth, undergoing rapid growth for up to a year before gradually fading over time. These hemangiomas may not be evident at birth but become noticeable within the first few weeks of life.
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Congenital Hemangiomas are present at birth. These can either undergo rapid growth and then shrink by age one (RICH - Rapidly Involuting Congenital Hemangioma) or remain unchanged (NICH - Non-involuting Congenital Hemangioma).
The type of hemangioma can influence the approach to care.
Hemangiomas also vary based on their location.
- Some are superficial, located just under the skin's surface.
- Others are situated deeper beneath the skin and may not be as visibly prominent.
The location of a hemangioma can have implications for health, particularly if they are near vital areas such as the eyes or airways.
In summary, while all hemangiomas originate from blood vessels, their behavior and implications can vary significantly depending on their type and location. Recognizing these differences is important for the effective management of the condition.