Kaposi Sarcoma vs Cherry Angioma

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

Feature
Kaposi Sarcoma
Cherry Angioma
Category
Malignant
Benign
Key feature
Purplish lesions caused by HHV-8, most commonly in immunocompromised individuals.
Bright red blood vessel growths. Extremely common after 30, completely harmless, no treatment needed.
Risk factors
HIV/AIDS - especially with low CD4 count; Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection; Organ transplant immunosuppressive therapy
Age over 30 (prevalence increases with each decade); Genetic predisposition; Pregnancy and hormonal changes may trigger new ones
Action needed
Purple, red, or brown-black patches or nodules on skin
Only if uncertain whether a red spot is a cherry angioma or something else

Kaposi Sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma develops from cells lining lymph or blood vessels and is caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). It appears as purplish, reddish-blue, or dark brown-black patches, plaques, or nodules on the skin or mucous membranes.

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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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Does yours look more like kaposi sarcoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like kaposi sarcoma? Answer 2 questions.

Are the lesions purplish, reddish-blue, or dark brown?

Do you have a weakened immune system (HIV, transplant, other)?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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