What is a cherry angioma?

What is an angioma | Causes | Treatment | FAQs

Have you noticed small, red dots on your skin that seem to come out of nowhere? You may have tried to think of when you injured yourself, but then, days or even weeks later, the red dot is still there, so injury seems an unlikely cause. It could be a cherry angioma.

Don’t worry. Cherry angiomas don’t indicate skin cancer. These small, bright, cherry-red spots are noncancerous skin lesions—and they are common, especially in people over the age of 40 years. Although they don’t go away on their own, they aren’t dangerous, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

It’s still important to keep an eye on them, and you can have them removed if needed. In this article, learn how to identify cherry angiomas, what causes them, and how to treat them.

What is an angioma?

Angiomas are noncancerous, common skin growths, or benign tumors, made of blood vessels resembling a red mole. There are three main types of angiomas, according to Kaiser Permanente:

• Cherry angiomas: These are also called senile angiomas, Campbell de Morgan spots, or de Morgan spots. Cherry angiomas appear on any part of the body but usually on the trunk.
• Spider angiomas: These have a red dot center and groups of dilated blood vessels around them, like a spider web shape. They’re common in children and people with liver disease. They frequently appear during pregnancy in women who take birth control pills. Spider angiomas appear most often on the face and chest.
• Venous lakes: These appear on the lips and ears and are usually blue but can be red or purple. They are most common in men over 65 with extensive sun exposure.

Cherry angiomas are the most common type of angioma. They are not cancerous or harmful. They cover a small area of the skin—anywhere from the size of a pinhead to about one-fourth inch. Although they are usually bright red bumps (as their name implies), they can also be blue, purple, or almost black. Some people have a single cherry angioma, while others have clusters. Some have hundreds. They usually increase in both size and number after the age of 40 years.

When should I be concerned about cherry angiomas?

Cherry angiomas are usually not concerning. However, one exception is when a purpuric halo surrounds an angioma. This light red or purple color surrounding the angioma could indicate primary systemic amyloidosis, according to a study published in 2018. Amyloidosis is a rare but serious disease that results when the protein amyloid builds up in organs and causes their functioning to decrease. If you notice a halo around an angioma, speak to your doctor.

Cherry angiomas can sometimes occur on the scalp, according to a report published in Case Reports in Dermatology. The researchers indicate this is an unusual location. However, they could go unnoticed because they are asymptomatic, and hair often covers the scalp.

RELATED: The importance of annual skin cancer checks

What causes cherry angiomas?

The cause of cherry angiomas is mostly unknown. However, they tend to run in families, according to MedlinePlus. Research on the origins of cherry angiomas has pointed to a few associations:

• Age: The incidence of cherry angiomas increases in adults over the age of 30 years. One study found that 75% of adults over 75 had cherry angiomas.
• Underlying medical conditions: Research studies show that people with cherry angiomas may have higher total cholesterol levels.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: An increase in prolactin, as seen in women after pregnancy, might increase the chance of developing cherry angiomas.
• Liver damage and disease: A study completed in 2015 found that cherry angiomas can predict nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There were 340 participants with cherry angiomas in the study, all over the age of 40 years. Researchers found 238 of the participants had been diagnosed with NAFLD, indicating that those with cherry angiomas might benefit from screening for liver disease. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology also suggests that when cherry angiomas are present in large numbers, it can be a warning of liver damage

Cherry angioma treatment

Cherry angiomas rarely require treatment. “They are completely benign,” explains Laura McGevna Nelson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Vermont Medical Center. “However, sometimes we should pay close attention to them, such as when they are eruptive or a number of them develop over a short time. This can indicate an internal disease. The skin gives us signs, and if we pay attention, it can show us when there is something wrong internally.”

Seek medical attention if angiomas bleed or have any unusual changes in appearance. Because of the possible link to liver disease, you should inform your healthcare provider if you develop cherry angiomas. A dermatologist can usually diagnose patients with a quick and painless examination. A skin biopsy is rarely needed.

The good news is that, besides the appearance of cherry angiomas, they rarely have other symptoms. Some might occasionally bleed, especially if injured. Treatment is not typically necessary, but based on the amount and location, some people prefer to remove them for cosmetic reasons. You should check with your insurance company, as these procedure options might not be a covered expense.

RELATED: When to see a dermatologist

How do dermatologists remove cherry angiomas?

Cherry angiomas can be removed by a dermatologist or specialist when necessary or if you want them removed for cosmetic reasons. There are a few different methods available to treat them. The main treatment options for cherry angioma removal are:

• Electrodesiccation surgery (electrocautery, burning): This method uses an electrical, needle-like instrument to deliver heat and electricity to the angioma to seal the blood vessels.
• Cryotherapy: This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the angioma. Freezing is less precise than other methods and can leave a small mark on your skin.
• Laser therapy: An intense beam of light removes the angioma. This method targets specific blood vessels and might be less painful than electrosurgery.
• Shave excision: This method uses a scalpel to shave the cherry angioma off in thin slivers until it’s gone.

Can I remove a cherry angioma at home?

You should never try to burn, freeze, or shave off an angioma at home, as it can be dangerous. Only trained medical professionals should use these methods. You might also find some natural remedies for removing cherry angiomas at home. These remedies include apple cider vinegar, iodine, dandelion root, castor oil, chamomile oil, and clay. Most of these ingredients will not cause damage if you dilute and apply them to your skin. However, there isn’t any scientific evidence that they are effective. Before using home remedies for cherry angiomas, you should talk with your healthcare provider.

Cherry angioma FAQs

Are cherry angiomas serious?

Cherry angiomas are typically not a cause for concern, as they are considered harmless. They usually do not require treatment. When bumped or cut, they may bleed. This can be treated like a normal cut. However, if a cherry angioma becomes painful, shows signs of irritation, or often bleeds, seek professional help to remove it. 

What are other names for a cherry angioma?

Cherry angiomas are also known as Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas. 

How common are cherry angiomas?

Cherry angiomas become more common with increasing age. About half of the adults ages 30 years and older have cherry angiomas on their skin. They are more common in older adults, with about 75% of those 75 and older having them. Race, ethnicity, and gender have not been shown to play a role in increasing the risk of developing cherry angiomas. 

What happens if you squeeze a cherry angioma?

If squeezed, a cherry angioma can bleed or become painful. This may make its appearance worse and could lead to scarring. If you want to remove a cherry angioma, it is best to seek professional help. 

Do cherry angiomas go away on their own?

Cherry angiomas do not go away on their own, but they are usually harmless. If the appearance is burdensome, seeking professional treatment is an option. However, there is no real need to get them removed unless they are bleeding or painful.