Angiosarcoma vs Cherry Angioma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Angiosarcoma
Cherry Angioma
Category
Malignant
Benign
Key feature
Rare cancer of blood or lymph vessels. Often appears as a bruise-like patch on the scalp of elderly patients.
Bright red blood vessel growths. Extremely common after 30, completely harmless, no treatment needed.
Risk factors
Age over 70; Chronic lymphedema (especially post-mastectomy); Previous radiation therapy
Age over 30 (prevalence increases with each decade); Genetic predisposition; Pregnancy and hormonal changes may trigger new ones
Action needed
A bruise-like purple patch on the scalp that does not resolve
Only if uncertain whether a red spot is a cherry angioma or something else

Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive cancer that develops from the cells lining blood vessels or lymph vessels. It accounts for less than 2% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Cutaneous angiosarcoma most commonly affects the scalp and face of elderly patients, particularly men.

Read full guide →

Cherry Angioma

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.

Read full guide →

Does yours look more like angiosarcoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like angiosarcoma? Answer 2 questions.

Does the area look like a bruise or purple patch that does not go away?

Is it on the scalp or in an area of chronic swelling or previous radiation?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →