Angiomas in Dallas, TX

Angiomas are benign, usually bright red moles. They are also called cherry angiomas due to their color, but could also be blue or purple, and can grow anywhere. Circular in shape, they can range in size from a tiny point to the width of a pencil eraser. Angiomas are sometimes referred to as senile angiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots. They typically appear in individuals over 30 years of age. The red coloration is a bit different than other types of skin lesions and is derived from blood vessels inside the angioma. They aren’t normally a cause for concern but if they start to bleed or suddenly change size or color, you may want to schedule an appointment with Skin Cancer Consultants of Dallas, Texas. Our team of board-certified medical professionals is equipped to diagnose and treat a variety of skin conditions ranging from noncancerous to malignant.

Since they have a distinctive appearance, Skin Cancer Consultants lead physician and experienced procedural dermatologist Dr. Thornwell Parker III will able to diagnose a cherry angioma without issue. Some angiomas are raised above the surface of the skin, while others are flat and blend more smoothly into the skin. At times, shaving or scratching these lesions will make them bleed. Most of the time, they feel firm in the middle and are fairly consistent in appearance and size. When angiomas first begin to appear, they are typically a small, flat, or raised growth that’s red or purple, usually somewhere on your torso. As is the case with all skin conditions, if you have a benign lesion that begins to change shape and size, it is imperative that you get screened for skin cancer as soon as possible.

While various causations have been researched, the precise reason angiomas manifest has never been conclusively identified. It is generally accepted that genetics plays a big part in their ocurrence, as well as pregnancy, chemical exposure, various medical conditions, and even climate. Age seems to come into play too since they increase in prevalence as people get older. Research shows that 75% of people over 75 years old have angiomas. However, another type called spider angiomas often occur in children.  They are occasionally indicative of liver damage. They are specifically caused by the overgrowth of blood vessels in the epidermis/dermis and the reproduction of endothelial cells that line blood vessels.

Angiomas, while overwhelmingly benign, can cause undue concern for people who have never seen them before. The worry stems from the concern that they are a sign of something more potentially dangerous. This is rarely the case. However, there are times that it is medically necessary to remove and study the lesion to make sure it’s benign.  Normally, you will have the choice of leaving it alone if you’d prefer to avoid an excision. But if you don’t like the way it looks for cosmetic reasons, or it causes discomfort, you can elect to have it removed.

While cherry angiomas are generally benign, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and not assume that a new red mark you’ve spotted on your skin is simply a harmless angioma. There are several other reasons that you may have a reddish lesion on your skin, many benign, such as hormonal changes, rosacea, allergies, and dermatitis. However, there are some skin cancers that can also begin as red bumps on the skin.  Therefore, if you do identify a spot that could be an angioma, call Skin Cancer Consultants to arrange an examination. Our staff is skilled in properly diagnosing skin conditions and offering medical advice on how to address the issue.