From the Guidelines
Angiomas are caused by abnormal blood vessel formation, with the exact cause of most angiomas being unknown, though genetic factors, hormonal changes, age, and environmental factors may contribute to their development. These benign vascular growths develop when blood vessels cluster together or dilate abnormally, creating small red spots or nodules. The development of angiomas can be influenced by various factors, including:
- Genetic factors, such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia 1
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or liver disease, which can trigger cherry angiomas and spider angiomas respectively 1
- Age, as cherry angiomas become more common after age 30 [@Example@]
- Environmental factors, such as extreme climate conditions, chemical exposure, and certain medications [@Example@]
Most angiomas are harmless and don't require treatment unless they bleed, cause discomfort, or create cosmetic concerns. When treatment is desired, options include:
- Laser therapy
- Electrocautery
- Cryotherapy
- Surgical removal, depending on the angioma's size and location 1
It's essential to note that while most angiomas are benign, any rapidly growing or changing lesion should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions. According to the most recent study 1, infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign neoplasm of infancy, with a prevalence of 4% to 5%, and their management may involve medical therapy, such as propranolol, or interventions to reduce the likelihood of disfigurement.
From the Research
Causes of Angiomas
The exact causes of angiomas are not fully understood, but several studies suggest possible factors that contribute to their development.
- Estrogen may play a role in the development of hemangiomas, mainly by regulating key angiogenic factors such as MMP-9, EPCs, VEGF, and NO 2.
- A family pedigree with a possible new genetic syndrome characterized by the presence of angiomas, affecting particularly the skin and the central nervous system, has been described, suggesting a genetic component 3.
- Infantile hemangiomas are the most common tumor of childhood and undergo rapid growth during early infancy, followed by gradual involution, but the underlying causes of this process are not well understood 4.
Types of Angiomas
Different types of angiomas have been identified, including:
- Infantile hemangiomas, which can cause severe complications such as obstruction, ulceration, or heart failure 5.
- Papula, telangiectasis, plump, deep, and compound types of infantile hemangiomas, each with distinct characteristics and treatment options 6.
Treatment and Prognosis
Various treatment options are available for angiomas, including:
- Oral propranolol, which can induce earlier involution and redness reduction of infantile hemangiomas, but may not be effective for all types 4.
- Combination therapy with pulsed dye laser and Nd:YAG laser, which has been shown to be effective and safe for treating infantile hemangiomas 5.
- Sequential therapy, including laser therapy, intralesional Pingyangmycin injection, and plastic surgery, which can be used after discontinuation of oral propranolol treatment 6.