What are the differential diagnoses for cherry angioma in a child?

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Last updated: March 6, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Cherry Angioma in a Child

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Cherry angioma (also known as cherry hemangioma): This is the most likely diagnosis due to its common occurrence in children and characteristic appearance as a small, bright red, dome-shaped papule.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Pyogenic granuloma: A benign vascular lesion that can appear similar to a cherry angioma but tends to be more friable and prone to bleeding.
    • Spider angioma: A benign vascular lesion with a central arteriole and radiating vessels, often seen in children.
    • Hemangioma: A benign vascular tumor that can appear as a red, raised lesion, although it tends to be larger and more complex than a cherry angioma.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Kaposi's sarcoma: A rare, malignant vascular tumor that can appear as a red, purple, or brown lesion, although it is extremely uncommon in children.
    • Bacillary angiomatosis: A rare, infectious disease caused by Bartonella species that can cause vascular lesions, often in immunocompromised individuals.
    • Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency with oxidative stress-induced hemolysis: Although not a primary skin lesion, G6PD deficiency can cause jaundice and pallor, and in rare cases, may be associated with vascular lesions.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Arteriovenous malformation: A rare, congenital vascular anomaly that can appear as a red, pulsatile lesion.
    • Angiosarcoma: A rare, malignant vascular tumor that can appear as a red, purple, or brown lesion, although it is extremely uncommon in children.
    • Tufted angioma: A rare, benign vascular tumor that can appear as a red, plaque-like lesion with a distinctive "tufted" appearance on histology.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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