Angiomas

Angiomas are red or purplish spots that appear on the skin and result from vascular malformations or tumors. They are usually benign but cause significant aesthetic discomfort. Several effective treatments are available.

Request to schedule your appointment.
We offer in-person, video call, or phone support.

APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE REQUEST

Please fill out the form:

What are Angiomas?

Angiomas are a common dermatological condition that results from a vascular anomaly in the skin, which in turn triggers benign spots or tumors.

They can disappear spontaneously or last a lifetime.

They are often called “birthmarks” or superficial vascular anomalies.

It is possible to distinguish 2 large groups of angiomas:

Benign vascular tumors or hemangiomas: in which the proliferation or exaggerated (and more or less rapid) production of blood vessels is observed;
Vascular malformations in which the vessels do not multiply, but are abnormal, with severe dilation (includes capillary malformations, flat angiomas, lymphatic, venous or arteriovenous malformations).

Angiomas are typically painless and pose no health risk. They appear as spots on the skin of varying colors, sizes, and shapes.

However, it is advisable to seek a dermatologist, who will advise on the most appropriate treatment, in the following situations:

When the angioma is bulky (more than 2 cm);
There is a problematic location: near the eyelid, around the eyes, mouth or near the airways (throat and pharynx);
Cause aesthetic discomfort very noticeable and the patient runs the risk of becoming disfigured – which has significant repercussions on their social life;
Show signs of ulceration, infection or it is observed bleeding;
AND painful;
It covers a large surface of the skin or multiple angiomas are present.

Treatment will depend on the nature of the angioma, its size, and location. The success of therapy varies depending on the characteristics of the skin lesion and the patient (e.g., age).

Types and Shapes of Angiomas

Flat angiomas (or telangiectatic nevi)

Benign and very common, they result from a congenital malformation of the capillaries, the smallest vessels in the circulatory system.

They are characterized by a flat, pink spot present from birth, of variable size and shape. It is usually unilateral and well-defined.

They tend to appear on the face or limbs and do not regress spontaneously, although they do not cause complications.

Infantile hemangioma (or strawberry angioma)

A benign tumor that forms in blood vessels. It results from the rapid proliferation of cells derived from small blood vessels in the skin.

Superficial angiomas have an irregular surface (resembling a strawberry), while deeper ones tend to have a purple color and a smooth surface.

They are the most common benign tumor in children. They appear shortly after birth and tend to grow rapidly during the first year of life.

Stellar Angiomas

Characterized by small, reddish or purplish skin patches, consisting of a central, rounded, and dilated spot. Surrounding the spot are dilated capillaries that create a star-like or spider-like shape.

They are benign and appear more frequently in people with fair skin. They develop later in adulthood and appear to be related to unprotected sun exposure, pregnancy, oral contraception, etc.