A cherry angioma, also known as a cherry haemangioma, is a common, benign (non-cancerous) skin lesion made up of small clusters of dilated blood vessels that appear as bright red, round or dome-shaped bumps on the skin. They are sometimes called Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas, particularly when they develop in older adults.
Cherry angiomas are typically small, usually measuring between about 1 mm and 5 mm in diameter, although they can occasionally be slightly larger. They often develop on the trunk (chest and abdomen), arms, legs or shoulders, and may increase in number with age.
Cherry angiomas are benign vascular proliferations, meaning they result from clusters of capillaries (tiny blood vessels) just beneath the surface of the skin. They are not contagious, not harmful to general health and do not have malignant potential under normal circumstances.
Cherry angiomas are usually:
They are typically discovered during routine skin checks and rarely cause discomfort. However, they may bleed if scratched, rubbed or injured due to their blood-filled nature.
The exact cause of cherry angiomas is unknown, but several factors have been linked with their development:
Although they are often referred to as “senile angiomas,” they can also occur in younger adults, and small numbers may be seen even in adolescence.
In rare cases, a sudden appearance of multiple lesions can occur. This is known as eruptive cherry angiomas. If many new angiomas develop over a short period, it is sensible to seek medical advice to rule out uncommon underlying causes.
Cherry angiomas are usually diagnosed through clinical examination by a healthcare professional based on their characteristic appearance. No routine tests are needed for diagnosis.
In uncertain cases, such as when a lesion has unusual features, changes in appearance or causes concern, further assessment may include:
Although cherry angiomas are benign, they can sometimes resemble other red-coloured lesions, including:
If a lesion changes rapidly, bleeds often without injury, or has irregular features, further assessment is advisable to rule out other conditions.
Most cherry angiomas do not require medical treatment, as they are asymptomatic and pose no risk to health. People may choose treatment for cosmetic reasons or if a lesion:
Removal should always be performed by a trained clinician. Common methods include:
These procedures are normally quick and can often be done in a dermatology clinic with minimal downtime. Slight scarring is a possible side effect.
It is important not to attempt removal at home, as doing so can cause bleeding, infection and scarring.
Cherry angiomas have an excellent prognosis. They are benign and not associated with skin cancer. They often remain stable for many years once they form and may increase in number with age.
Removing a cherry angioma does not guarantee that new lesions will not appear; recurrence or development of new angiomas is common, especially as a person ages.
There is no known way to prevent cherry angiomas entirely because their direct cause is not understood. Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals known to be associated with angioma formation may reduce risk, but this is not guaranteed.
Protecting skin from injury may help prevent bleeding in existing lesions, and regular skin checks help ensure any changes are evaluated promptly.
If you are concerned about a red skin lesion or notice changes such as growth or bleeding, seek medical advice. We offer professional skin assessments to provide reassurance and discuss appropriate treatment options.
