Pyogenic Granuloma vs Melanoma

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

Feature
Pyogenic Granuloma
Melanoma
Category
Benign
Malignant
Key feature
A rapidly growing, bright red, easily bleeding bump. Looks alarming but is benign - name is misleading (not infectious).
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.
Risk factors
Pregnancy (especially on the gums); Minor trauma to the site; Certain medications (retinoids, some targeted cancer therapies)
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
A rapidly growing bright red bump that bleeds easily
A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles (the ugly duckling sign)

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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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 pyogenic granuloma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like pyogenic granuloma? Answer 2 questions.

Did it appear rapidly (days to weeks) and bleed easily?

Is it bright red or dark red with a moist or eroded surface?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →