An angioma is a common, benign growth composed of a cluster of small blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. These growths can appear on the skin’s surface, beneath the skin, or occasionally within internal organs. The term is broad, encompassing several distinct types that vary widely in appearance, size, and location. While angiomas are non-cancerous and generally harmless, any new or changing growth warrants professional medical attention for proper identification.
The Nature of Vascular Proliferation
Angiomas arise from the benign proliferation of endothelial cells, which line the inside of blood vessels and lymph vessels. This process results in a dense, non-malignant mass of newly formed or dilated vessels. Because they consist of vascular components, these growths often appear red, purple, or blue, depending on the depth and type of vessels involved. The underlying cause for this localized overgrowth is often unclear, but certain factors are known to play a role in their development.
The etiology is frequently linked to natural biological processes such as aging, with some types becoming more prevalent later in life. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy, are also associated with the increased appearance of specific angiomas. Suspected mechanisms include localized tissue factors, like chronic low oxygen levels (hypoxia), or a genetic predisposition.
Common Classifications of Angiomas
The most frequently encountered type is the Cherry Angioma, also known as a senile angioma, which typically presents as a small, bright red, dome-shaped papule. These growths are extremely common and increase in number after the age of 30, often appearing on the trunk, chest, and limbs. Cherry angiomas usually measure between a pinhead and a pencil eraser in size and can be smooth or slightly raised.
Another distinct classification is the Spider Angioma, medically termed nevus araneus, which is characterized by a central red spot with fine, radiating blood vessels extending outward like the legs of a spider. These lesions blanch when pressure is applied to the central spot, confirming the feeding arteriole structure. Spider angiomas are most commonly found on the face, neck, and upper chest, and their appearance is sometimes associated with elevated estrogen levels, such as during pregnancy or in cases of liver disease.
A third common type is the Venous Lake, a soft, dark blue to purplish lesion that is often compressible due to its venous blood content. These typically appear as dome-shaped bumps, frequently developing on sun-exposed areas like the lower lip, ears, and face. Venous lakes are more common in older adults and represent dilated venules, often due to chronic sun exposure.
Diagnosis and Medical Management
The diagnosis of an angioma is typically straightforward and accomplished through a visual inspection by a dermatologist. If the lesion’s appearance is unusual or raises suspicion, a dermatoscope may be used for closer examination, or a biopsy may be taken. Since most angiomas are benign and asymptomatic, medical management usually involves simple observation unless they are causing complications.
A medical consultation is suggested if an angioma exhibits rapid growth, changes color or shape, becomes painful, or bleeds frequently due to irritation. For lesions that are cosmetically bothersome or prone to injury, several effective removal techniques are available. These procedures are typically performed in an outpatient setting with minimal recovery time.
Common removal methods include laser therapy, such as a Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), which uses targeted light energy to selectively destroy the blood vessels within the growth. Electrocautery is another option, using a fine probe to deliver an electrical current that heats and destroys the vascular tissue. For slightly larger or raised lesions, cryotherapy (freezing the angioma with liquid nitrogen) or a minor shave excision may be performed.