Cherry Angioma
Also known as: Campbell de Morgan Spot, Senile Angioma
Bright red blood vessel growths. Extremely common after 30, completely harmless, no treatment needed.
What to look for
Side-by-side comparison
Normal skin
No red spots
Cherry angioma
Bright red dome, harmless
Cherry angiomas are small, dome-shaped, bright red to purple growths composed of clusters of dilated capillaries. They are among the most common benign skin growths in adults, appearing in over 50% of people over 30 and increasing in number with age.
They range from pinpoint size to 5mm or more, are usually dome-shaped or slightly raised, and characteristically bright red to dark red or purple. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the trunk.
Cherry angiomas are completely harmless and require no treatment. They do not bleed excessively (despite being vascular), do not progress to cancer, and have no medical significance. Occasionally they are removed for cosmetic reasons via electrocautery, laser, or cryotherapy.
The main clinical importance of cherry angiomas is recognizing them so they are not confused with more concerning vascular lesions such as Kaposi sarcoma or amelanotic melanoma.
Quick self-check
Does this look like cherry angioma? Answer 2 questions.
Is it a small, bright red, dome-shaped spot?
Has it been stable for months or years?
Risk factors
- Age over 30 (prevalence increases with each decade)
- Genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes may trigger new ones
When to see a dermatologist
- ⚠Only if uncertain whether a red spot is a cherry angioma or something else
- ⚠If a supposed cherry angioma bleeds repeatedly without trauma
- ⚠If a vascular lesion is growing rapidly or looks unusual
Often confused with
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Full ABCDE check →Frequently asked questions
Are cherry angiomas dangerous?
No. They are completely benign collections of blood vessels. They do not become cancerous and have no health implications. They are as common and harmless as freckles.
Why do I keep getting more?
Cherry angiomas naturally accumulate with age. By age 70, most people have many. This is normal and not a sign of any disease.
Related conditions
Pyogenic Granuloma
A rapidly growing, bright red, easily bleeding bump. Looks alarming but is benign - name is misleading (not infectious).
Kaposi Sarcoma
Purplish lesions caused by HHV-8, most commonly in immunocompromised individuals.
Blue Nevus
A blue or blue-black mole caused by deep pigment cells. Stable and benign - but can mimic melanoma.