Cherry Angiomas: Are These Red Moles Dangerous?

Perhaps you thought they were bruises or other potentially dangerous skin lesions? There is usually no need to worry, as they are most likely cherry angiomas. Cherry angiomas are harmless skin growths formed from small blood vessels called venules. They usually do not require treatment, but if a raised angioma causes discomfort, is constantly irritated, or interferes with shaving, it is useful to know the safest ways to remove this skin growth.

What Are Cherry Angiomas?

Red moles, or cherry angiomas, are vascular skin lesions that most commonly appear in older people. How can they be recognized? Cherry angiomas are usually red, oval-shaped, have clearly defined borders, and are raised above the surface of the skin. Their size ranges from a tiny dot to approximately 0.5 cm in diameter.

Cherry angiomas are often found on the abdomen, chest, arms, legs, shoulders, or back, but they can also appear on the face. Although treatment of these skin lesions is not necessary, some people choose to have angiomas removed for aesthetic reasons or because they cause discomfort during movement or shaving.

What Are the Types of Angiomas?

Although cherry angiomas are the most common, angiomas can also occur in other forms, such as spider angiomas or star angiomas. These are also benign vascular skin lesions, but their appearance differs. Unlike cherry angiomas, spider and star angiomas do not have clearly defined borders. The borders of star angiomas are indistinct, while spider angiomas have a shape that more closely resembles blood vessels spreading outward.

Scientists have observed that these two types of angiomas are more common in people with liver diseases, pregnant women, and children.

Causes of Cherry Angiomas

The exact cause of cherry red moles, or cherry angiomas, is unknown, but it is likely to be closely related to genetics. If your parents or grandparents have cherry angiomas, there is a high probability that you will develop these skin lesions later in life.

There is also a clear association between cherry angiomas and age. They are more common in older people. The first red moles may appear around the age of 40 and, in exceptional cases, in younger individuals.

It is believed that angiomas may also appear due to liver diseases. Several studies have shown a strong association between liver diseases and cherry angiomas. Therefore, if you notice red moles in the abdominal area, it may be worthwhile to have blood tests performed to confirm or rule out the risk of liver disease.

There is evidence that cherry angiomas may also develop as a result of exposure to certain chemicals or gases in the environment. Although there is little conclusive evidence, some studies have suggested that bromides may influence the development of cherry angiomas. It has also been observed that these skin lesions are more common in certain climatic regions. However, more detailed studies are needed to establish the actual causes of angioma formation.

Should You Worry About Cherry Angiomas?

If you notice cherry angiomas on your body, there is usually no need to worry. Further examination is recommended only if they suddenly increase in number or if a large number of them appear around the abdominal area. It is also advisable to consult a dermatovenereologist if an angioma suddenly grows, changes shape, bleeds, or causes discomfort.

These red spots, or angiomas, can be removed relatively easily, and a specialist will recommend the most appropriate method during a consultation.

Remember that cherry angiomas are often mistaken for ordinary moles, and different technologies are required for their removal. Therefore, choose a professional aesthetic medicine clinic where specialists can carefully examine the skin lesions during the initial consultation, identify their type, and recommend the most effective method of removal.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Cherry Angiomas?

Cherry angiomas are not dangerous, so treatment is not necessary. However, an angioma that appears on the face, neck, or hands may be aesthetically undesirable, while a raised or even hanging skin lesion may cause discomfort during movement or shaving. In such cases, angioma removal may be beneficial. But what is the safest way to permanently eliminate the discomfort caused by an angioma?

Angioma Removal by Laser

Removing vascular skin lesions with a laser is one of the most effective and convenient methods of eliminating angiomas from the body. Concentrated laser beams directed at the angioma affect the skin lesion, causing occlusion and collapse of the blood vessel. As a result, the skin lesion disappears within 2–4 weeks.

However, depending on the number and size of the angiomas, more than one visit to a specialist may sometimes be necessary.

Electrocauterization

There are also other effective ways to permanently remove angiomas from the desired areas of the body. One of these is electrocauterization. During electrocauterization, the angioma is destroyed using an electric current. This method is suitable for removing both benign and malignant skin lesions. However, some discomfort may occur after angioma removal, and a scar may remain.

Cryosurgery

Cherry angiomas can also be removed using an extremely cold substance, usually liquid nitrogen. This procedure is known as cryosurgery. A few hours after treatment, the angioma falls off. Cryosurgery is considered a quick method of removing unwanted skin lesions. A small scab and scar may remain after the procedure.

Surgical Method

Surgical excision is usually used to remove large cherry angiomas that protrude above the surface of the skin. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia. Angioma excision differs from other surgical procedures in that sutures are not required when this method is used. However, healing may take quite some time, and scars may remain in some cases.

Can Cherry Angiomas Be Removed at Home?

Doctors do not recommend attempting to remove cherry angiomas or any other skin lesions at home for several reasons. First, before any treatment is started, it is necessary to confirm that the lesion is indeed benign. Second, attempting to remove cherry angiomas at home can lead to infection and an increased risk of scarring.

Anyone wishing to remove cherry angiomas safely should therefore consult a physician and determine the most appropriate method of removal.