Cherry Angioma vs Pyogenic Granuloma

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

Feature
Cherry Angioma
Pyogenic Granuloma
Category
Benign
Benign
Key feature
Bright red blood vessel growths. Extremely common after 30, completely harmless, no treatment needed.
A rapidly growing, bright red, easily bleeding bump. Looks alarming but is benign - name is misleading (not infectious).
Risk factors
Age over 30 (prevalence increases with each decade); Genetic predisposition; Pregnancy and hormonal changes may trigger new ones
Pregnancy (especially on the gums); Minor trauma to the site; Certain medications (retinoids, some targeted cancer therapies)
Action needed
Only if uncertain whether a red spot is a cherry angioma or something else
A rapidly growing bright red bump that bleeds easily

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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Pyogenic Granuloma

Pyogenic granuloma is a rapidly growing, bright red to dark red, dome-shaped vascular nodule that bleeds easily and profusely with minor trauma. Despite its alarming name, it is neither pyogenic (caused by infection) nor a true granuloma - it is a benign overgrowth of blood vessels (lobular capillary hemangioma).

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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.

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