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Cherry Angioma
This patient
information and photograph of cherry angiomas is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a
board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando,
Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical
advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.
What is it?
Cherry
Angiomas are
one of the most common growths that occur on the skin.
These are harmless, smooth surfaced, growths that have a cherry red color to
them. In
general terms these are often referred to as red moles. They can grow
anywhere but they are most common on the torso. Most cherry angiomas
develop after the age of 40.
What
causes it?
Genetics play a role in the formation of
Cherry angiomas. Some
families have a tendency to develop more angiomas than others.
Is
it dangerous? Cherry angiomas are harmless, but
sometimes they can be difficult to tell from skin cancer by lay persons.
If cherry angiomas are cut or injured they can bleed profusely. Any growth that
suddenly changes in size, color, shape, bleeds,
itches on a regular basis or becomes inflamed or irritated needs to be evaluated by
a dermatologist. Although I remove many of them for cosmetic reasons,
removal is not necessary unless they are irritated, inflamed or suspicious.
Can it be cured?
Cherry angiomas are
easily removed, but insurance considers this cosmetic unless they are inflamed,
irritated or clinically suspicious. Some Cherry angiomas may re-grow after
removal, but most do not. I have several techniques that I use to remove these
growths. I try to choose a technique that gives the best cosmetic result for
each growth depending on its size and location.
Will
it spread?
New ones usually continue to
appear as you get older.
Is it contagious?
Cherry angiomas are not contagious and you can not "catch” them from anyone.
© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D.
2004 WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com
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