Angiomas & Angiokeratomas: Types, Diagnosis, and Laser Treatment

What Are Angiomas?

Angiomas are benign growths made up of small blood vessels. They can appear anywhere on the body and are among the most common types of benign skin lesions. While the word might sound concerning, angiomas are not cancerous and do not have the potential to become cancerous.

Angiomas develop when small blood vessels cluster together and dilate, forming a visible red, purple, or blue spot on the skin. The exact cause is not completely understood, but genetics, aging, and hormonal changes all play a role.

“Laser treatment for vascular lesions is remarkably precise. The laser energy is absorbed specifically by the hemoglobin in the abnormal blood vessels, causing them to collapse while leaving the surrounding tissue untouched.”

Common Types of Angiomas

Cherry Angiomas

Cherry angiomas are the most common type. They appear as small, bright red or cherry-colored bumps, ranging from pinpoint size to several millimeters across. Cherry angiomas typically begin appearing after age 30 and become more numerous with age. By age 70, most people have at least a few.

These lesions are usually found on the trunk, arms, and legs. They are dome-shaped and smooth, and they may darken to a deep purple or almost black color over time. Cherry angiomas are completely harmless, but many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons, particularly when they appear in visible areas.

Spider Angiomas

Spider angiomas have a distinctive appearance: a small, red central dot (the feeding arteriole) surrounded by fine, radiating blood vessels that resemble spider legs. They are most commonly found on the face, especially around the nose and cheeks, though they can appear elsewhere.

Spider angiomas can occur in healthy individuals, but multiple spider angiomas may sometimes be associated with liver disease or hormonal changes during pregnancy. If you develop several spider angiomas in a short period, it is worth discussing this with your doctor.

Angiokeratomas

Angiokeratomas are vascular lesions that combine dilated blood vessels with a thickened, warty surface layer. They appear as small, dark red to black bumps with a rough texture. Angiokeratomas are most common on the legs and genital area, particularly in older adults.

While individual angiokeratomas are benign, their dark color and rough surface can sometimes mimic melanoma. This is why dermoscopic evaluation is important for any dark-colored skin lesion.

Diagnosis: Why Proper Evaluation Matters

Most angiomas can be identified by their characteristic appearance. However, certain vascular lesions deserve closer examination:

At our clinic, we examine every lesion with dermoscopy before treatment. This non-invasive technique provides a magnified view of structures beneath the skin surface, allowing confident diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. If any lesion raises concern, a biopsy is performed before proceeding.

Laser Treatment for Angiomas

Laser treatment is the gold standard for removing angiomas. The principle is elegant: the laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is preferentially absorbed by hemoglobin, the red pigment in blood. This selective absorption means the laser energy heats and destroys the abnormal blood vessels while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed.

How the Treatment Works

During laser treatment, the focused light energy is delivered to the angioma. The hemoglobin in the dilated blood vessels absorbs the energy and converts it to heat. This heat causes the vessel walls to collapse and seal shut. Over the following days to weeks, the body naturally absorbs the treated vessel remnants, and the redness fades.

What to Expect

You can see representative treatment results in our gallery.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While angiomas are generally harmless, see a dermatologist if you notice:

Regular skin checks are a good practice for everyone. A dermatologist can quickly evaluate your skin lesions and provide peace of mind or appropriate treatment recommendations.

Summary

Angiomas are among the most common and benign skin findings. Cherry angiomas, spider angiomas, and angiokeratomas are all vascular in nature and respond excellently to laser treatment. The key to safe treatment is proper diagnosis before any procedure.

If you have angiomas that you would like evaluated or removed, contact our clinic to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaplan.