Angioma

Definition

An angioma is a benign growth that consists of small blood vessels. It increase very slowly, and it is very progressive and chronic. The most important histolorical finding is the presence of dilated and tortuous capillaries in the dermal papillae and upper dermis.

There are many different types of angiomas-

• cavernous angioma
• cavernous hemangioma
• cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM)
• cavernoma

A typical cavernous angioma looks somewhat like a raspberry.It can range in size from microscopic to inches in diameter. It is made of multiple little bubbles (caverns) of various sizes, filled with blood and lined by a special layer of cells (endothelium).

Causes

They are most common after age 40. The cause is unknown. Although it is painless and harmless Angiomas are not very dangerous or contagious. Spider angiomas are more common in childhood and during pregnancy, and a few can appear on anyone. A spider angioma is formed when a group of blood vessels dilates in a characteristic "spider leg" pattern. A spider angioma can be seen in a healthy person without any apparent cause. But it is more common in individuals with liver disease or altered hormone levels.

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. Cherry angiomas may bleed profusely if injured.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Venous Anigomas can range to no symptoms at all to ones where the individual experiences headaches, numbness, laziness, seizures, blackouts, and other types of anigomas. When symptoms are present, they often depend on the location of the angioma and on the strength of the angioma walls.

Treatment

Treatment of Venous Angiomas is very difficult. Most times individuals will not even know that they have this illness, since symptoms do not always present themselves. If it is discovered, usually doctors take a stand of monitoring it over a period of time

Angiomas can be treated with electrodesiccation. This can be treated only in the doctor’s offices. The treatment of angioma with electrodesiccation consists of touching the skin with an electric needle and destroying the blood vessels that make up the tumor.

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.