They can be red or purple, round- or oval-shaped, and may be smooth and flat or raised.
While cherry angiomas are often pinhead-size, they can grow to several millimeters in diameter.
Never attempt to remove a cherry angioma yourself.
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This article goes over the causes and treatments for cherry angiomas.
It also discusses when you should see a healthcare provider.
Cherry angiomas benign, but they are sometimes mistaken for melanomas.
Verywell / Laura Porter
They may also be similar in appearance to a typical mole.
What Causes Cherry Angiomas?
Cherry angiomas get their bright, cherry-red or purple color from the dilated capillaries they’re made up of.
Genetics play a role in how likely you are to have cherry angiomas.
If your parents and grandparents have them, theres a good chance you will, too.
The prevalence increases in older populations.
Treatments for Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas dont typically need to be treated.
If they bother you, however, you’re free to have them removed by a healthcare provider.
Cherry angioma removal should only be done by a healthcare professional.
They can treat your cherry angioma with non-invasive techniques that cause minimal to no scarring.
These treatments are also relatively painless.
If so, it’s possible for you to get it removed again.
Diagnosing Cherry Angiomas
Healthcare providers often diagnose a cherry angioma just by looking at it.
They may request abiopsyif they suspect it’s apotentially harmful skin growthinstead.
Summary
Cherry angiomas are benign skin growths that are red or purple in color.
They may be raised or flat and are usually round or oval-shaped.
They can appear anywhere on the body, though they are most common on the torso.
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