Cherry Angioma vs Melanoma

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

Feature
Cherry Angioma
Melanoma
Category
Benign
Malignant
Key feature
Bright red blood vessel growths. Extremely common after 30, completely harmless, no treatment needed.
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.
Risk factors
Age over 30 (prevalence increases with each decade); Genetic predisposition; Pregnancy and hormonal changes may trigger new ones
Fair skin, light eyes, red or blond hair (Fitzpatrick types I-II); History of blistering sunburns, especially before age 18; More than 50 ordinary moles on the body
Action needed
Only if uncertain whether a red spot is a cherry angioma or something else
A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles (the ugly duckling sign)

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.

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Melanoma

Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give your skin its color. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes most of skin cancer deaths. The good news: when detected at stage I, the five-year survival rate exceeds 99%.

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Does yours look more like cherry angioma?

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?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →