Angioma, Cherry Angioma - Symptoms & Treatment

Angiomas are benign tumors that are made up of small blood vessels. They usually appear at or near the surface of the skin. Angiomas may appear anywhere on the body, and aren't considered dangerous. There are many different types of angiomas. Some of the different types include: spider angiomas, cherry angiomas, and senile angiomas. Many pregnant women, or women taking oral contraceptives, have spider angiomas. People who have significant hepatic disease also show many spider angiomas, as they are not making sufficient of coagulation factors. The cause of most types of angiomas is not known. Cherry angiomas and are due to aging and do not have any known significance. Spider angiomas are more common in childhood and during pregnancy, and a few can appear on anyone. A spider angioma lesion typically has a red dot in the center with reddish extensions radiating out for some distance around it. Spider angiomas are very common and are especially prevalent during pregnancy and in patients with liver disease.

Small numbers of spider nevi are common in children and pregnant women. However, in large quantities, spider nevi may be a sign of an underlying disorder, such as advanced cirrhosis of the liver. Large angiomas can bleed profusely when they are injured. Angioma can be seen in a healthy person without any apparent cause, but is more common in individuals with liver disease or altered hormone levels. The symptoms associated with angioma include: birthmarks as many of them are actually angiomas, stork bites which is a common type of strawberry birthmark, portwine stains which are also referred to as nevus flammeus and strawberry marks which are caused by capillary hemangiomas. Angiomas do not need to be treated unless they bleed or are bothering one. They can be treated with electrodessication, liquid nitrogen or laser. All three types of treatment have similar amounts of discomfort and usually give a good cosmetic result. Laser uses a beam of concentrated light. Angiomas sometimes recur after treatment.

Causes of Angioma

Common causes and risk factor's of Angioma:

• Alcoholic liver disease.
• Pregnancy.
• Cirrhosis of the liver.
• Estrogen therapy.

Symptoms of Angioma

Some sign and symptoms related to Angioma are as follows:

• Reddish extensions that radiate from the center.
• Strawberry marks.
• Most frequently seen on the face and trunk.

Treatment of Angioma

Common treatment of Angioma:

• Angiomas do not need to be treated unless they bleed or are bothering one.
• They can be treated with electrocauterization or laser treatment.
• Angiomas can also be treated with liquid nitrogen therapy. Liquid nitrogen is a cold, liquefied gas that is sprayed on the skin with a spray gun. This works by freezing and destroying the tumor of blood vessels.