What is Cherry
Angioma?
A cherry angioma,Senile angioma, is a benign skin growth that
appears as a small, smooth, cherry-red bump.
Causes
Cherry angiomas are benign, fairly common skin growths that
vary in size. They can occur almost anywhere on the body but
usually develop on the trunk.They are most common after age
40. The cause is unknown. Although painless and harmless,
cherry angiomas may bleed profusely if injured.
Symptoms
Skin lesion or growth:
* Small -- pinhead size to about 1/4 inch in diameter
* Bright red
* Smooth
Diagnosis
Your doctor will probably diagnose a cherry angioma based on
the appearance of the growth. No further tests are usually
necessary, though a skin biopsy may be used to confirm the
diagnosis.
Treatment
Cherry angiomas generally do not need to be treated. If they
are cosmetically displeasing or prone to bleeding, angiomas
may be removed by surgery, freezing (cryotherapy), burning (electrosurgery/cautery),
or laser.
Laser seals the blood
supply to the angioma causing the shrinkage or disappearance
of the tumor.
prognosis
Cherry angiomas are benign and generally harmless. Removal
usually does not cause scarring.
Possible Complications
* Changes in appearance
* Psychological distress
* Bleeding
What is Laser?
Laser stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated
Emission of Radiation(LASER).
A laser is a light beam that can be precisely focused. It is
used to treat tissues by heating the targeted cells until
they "burst". It may also be used for cosmetic purposes,
including removal of wrinkles, tattoos, or birthmarks.
There are several types of lasers, including the carbon
dioxide (CO2) laser, the YAG (yttrium aluminum
garnet) laser, and the pulsed dye laser. Each laser
has specific uses. The color of the light beam used is
directly related to the type of procedure being performed and
the color of the tissue being treated.
Laser may be used to:
Remove tumors
Seal small blood vessels
Seal lymph vessels to reduce swelling and decrease the spread
of tumor cells
Seal nerve endings to reduce postoperative pain
Remove warts, moles, and tattoos
Reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles
Remove hair
Possible side effects of
laser therapy:
Bleeding
Infection
Pain
Scaring
Skin color changes
