What Is a Cherry Angioma? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Removal
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 17, 2026
Quick Answer: What is a cherry angioma?
A cherry angioma is a small, round, red, harmless skin bump, 2 to 4 mm across, that commonly appears in groups on the torso, arms and legs after age 30. [8] Causes include aging, pregnancy hormones, genetic mutations and certain chemicals, and a visual exam diagnoses it. [5] [7] No treatment is needed unless it bothers you or bleeds; removal may scar. [5] [7]
What the research says
Cherry angiomas are common vascular tumors that rise with age, and an old suspected cancer link was never proven. A 2023 review describes them as the most common vascular tumors of the skin, increasingly common with age. An association with cancer was suggested in the 19th century but could not be demonstrated, although recent studies link them to toxic substances, medications, some benign and malignant diseases, and immunosuppression (Pastor-Tomás et al., Actas Dermosifiliogr, 2023) [1].
No single removal method is best. A systematic review of 10 studies found both laser and non-laser treatments (cryotherapy, sclerotherapy, electrosurgery, radiofrequency ablation) effective, with no therapy proven superior. Pulsed dye laser was preferred over KTP laser and electrodesiccation for less procedure-related pain, and some lasers risked pigment changes in darker-skinned people (Buslach et al., Dermatol Surg, 2020) [2].
Biopsy is only needed when the diagnosis is uncertain. A 2024 family-medicine review advises that benign skin tumors can often be diagnosed by history, distribution, and appearance, with biopsy or excision indicated if the diagnosis is uncertain or the lesion changes rapidly or uncharacteristically (Shen-Wagner et al., Am Fam Physician, 2024) [3].
Key takeaways
Cherry angiomas are small, round, red, pinhead-like skin bumps that most often appear on the torso, arms, and legs. [8]
They are benign growths made of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels, not a sign of cancer. [1]
About half of adults have them after age 30, and about 75% of adults aged 75 or older have them. [7] [5]
The exact cause is unknown, [5] but aging, pregnancy hormones, genetic mutations, and certain chemical exposures are factors. [7]
Diagnosis requires only a visual skin exam. [5] [7] No tests are needed.
Removal is optional [5] and done by a trained medical professional; do not attempt removal at home. [8]
What Is a Cherry Angioma?
A cherry angioma is a small, pinhead-like lesion on your skin that appears most commonly on your torso, arms, and legs. [8] Cherry angiomas are round, about 2 millimeters (mm) to 4 mm in size, and light to dark red. [8] The term "cherry" references their color and appearance on the skin, and angiomas typically form in groups. [8]
These growths are also called Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas [7] [5] (the latter used when referring to their occurrence in older adults).
Feature | Detail |
Common name | Cherry angioma |
Other names | Campbell de Morgan spots, senile angiomas |
Typical location | Torso, arms, legs |
Shape | Round |
Size | About 2 to 4 mm |
Color | Light to dark red |
Cherry Angioma vs. Cherry Hemangioma
Cherry angiomas and cherry hemangiomas look very similar but are made of different cells. [8] Understanding the difference matters because the two terms are often used interchangeably, yet they refer to slightly different growths.
Feature | Cherry Angioma | Cherry Hemangioma |
Made of | Blood vessels or lymphatic vessels | Blood vessels only |
Most common in | Adults | Can appear in early infancy through childhood |
Appearance | Very similar: small red bumps | Very similar: small red bumps |
Both are benign growths, and both are harmless to your overall health. [8]
How Common Are Cherry Angiomas?
Cherry angiomas are extremely common. An estimated 50% of adults have cherry angiomas on their skin after age 30, and they are very common in about 75% of adults aged 75 years or older. [7] [5]
Anyone can get cherry angiomas, but most appear with age, with no difference in race or sex. [7] [5] They can be present on healthy individuals and on those with pre-existing medical conditions. [8]
Are Cherry Angiomas a Sign of Cancer?
No. Cherry angiomas are not dangerous or harmful. They are benign growths that can easily be confused with melanoma and moles. [8] Although it can be scary to see a new growth on your skin, cherry angiomas are not a sign of cancer. [1]
Symptoms of a Cherry Angioma
Cherry angiomas are asymptomatic, meaning they cause no symptoms, [5] [6] [7] and they shouldn't itch. Here is what a cherry angioma looks like:
Appearance Feature | Detail |
Shape | Bumps on the skin |
Size | 1 to 5 mm in diameter |
Color | Light to dark red |
Surroundings | Surrounded by a pale halo |
Pattern | Often appear in groups |
Should Cherry Angiomas Itch?
Cherry angiomas are asymptomatic and shouldn't itch. If you notice your skin feels itchy near angiomas, be cautious not to scratch the area because you could irritate the angioma and cause it to bleed. [7] [6]
An itchy bump on your skin could be caused by several factors that are not related to the angioma [8], including:
Possible Unrelated Cause | What It Involves |
Allergy | An immune reaction causing skin irritation |
Acne | Clogged pores and inflamed skin |
Dry skin | Lack of moisture causing itchiness |
Chickenpox or shingles | Viral infections causing itchy skin rashes |
If you notice the bump on your skin continues to itch and is causing you discomfort, contact your healthcare provider for treatment.
What Causes a Cherry Angioma?
The direct cause of cherry angiomas is unknown. [5] However, research has identified several factors that can cause them to appear on your skin [8]:
Cause Factor | Details |
Aging | Most cherry angiomas appear with age |
Pregnancy (hormones) | Hormones and high prolactin levels may be a factor |
Genetic mutations | Changes in genes may trigger their development |
Chemical exposure | Topical nitrogen mustard, bromides, and butoxyethanol |
Why Are Pregnant Women at More Risk?
Though the reason for their origin is unknown, cherry angiomas are often seen among women who are pregnant. [7] Studies show that hormones and high prolactin levels (prolactin is a hormone made by your pituitary gland) may be a factor in their development on your skin during pregnancy. [8] Often, cherry angiomas will involute (reduce in size or disappear on their own) after delivery. [8]
How Is a Cherry Angioma Diagnosed?
Cherry angiomas are diagnosed by a visual examination of your skin. [5] [7] No tests are needed to diagnose this condition. [8] Because cherry angiomas can resemble moles or melanoma, a provider's visual exam is usually enough to confirm what the growth is, though any new or changing skin growth should be checked by a professional to be sure.
Treatment and Management
How Are Cherry Angiomas Treated?
No treatment is necessary for cherry angiomas. [5] [6] You may prefer to have them removed because you don't like how they look. [5] [7] Unless the angioma is bothering you, it doesn't need to be treated.
What Should I Do If My Cherry Angioma Is Bleeding?
Since cherry angiomas are raised bumps on your skin, they could easily be scratched or injured, which could cause bleeding or infection. If your cherry angioma is bleeding, treat the area of your skin as a wound [8]:
Step | What to Do |
1 | Clean the area |
2 | Apply antibacterial ointment |
3 | Cover it with a bandage |
Can I Remove Cherry Angiomas?
Yes. Cherry angiomas are commonly removed because people don't like how they look on their skin, or because the location of the angioma bleeds frequently due to injury. [7] A surgeon can remove your cherry angioma. [8] Often, the removal of cherry angiomas can cause scarring [7] (see our guide to scar revision). Don't attempt to remove cherry angiomas at home. Only trained medical professionals should remove angiomas from your skin for your safety. [8]
How Are Cherry Angiomas Removed?
Removal Method | How It Works |
Electrodesiccation | An electric needle treats the growth |
Liquid nitrogen | A cold gas freezes the growth |
Laser | A focused light beam targets the growth |
Will My Cherry Angiomas Come Back After Removal?
Sometimes cherry angiomas will return to your skin after you get them removed. [8] If they do come back, you don't need to worry because they're harmless.
Prevention
Since the direct cause of cherry angiomas is unknown, there isn't a prevention tip that is 100% successful. [8] It is recommended that you avoid specific chemicals or treatments known to cause cherry angiomas:
Chemical to Avoid | Type of Exposure |
Topical nitrogen mustard | A chemical applied to the skin |
Bromides | Certain chemical compounds |
Butoxyethanol | A chemical solvent |
Outlook and Prognosis
If you have cherry angiomas, the outlook is positive because they're very common and harmless. [5] Unless the angioma is bothering you, it doesn't need to be treated. They are a natural part of the aging process [8], and there's no need to get them removed unless you don't like how they look.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Since cherry angiomas are harmless, there isn't a need to rush to a healthcare provider for medical attention. If your cherry angiomas are bothering you or frequently bleeding due to injury, talk to your healthcare provider about treating or removing the angiomas. [8]
If you are ever unsure whether a new red bump on your skin is a cherry angioma or something else, such as melanoma or a mole, have it examined by a healthcare provider for confirmation.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
Question | Why It Matters |
Are these bumps cherry angiomas or a sign of melanoma? | Confirms the growth is benign |
How can I prevent injury to my cherry angiomas and skin? | Reduces bleeding and irritation |
What's the process for removing cherry angiomas? | Explains your removal options |
Will removal of cherry angiomas cause scarring? | Sets expectations about after-effects |
Conclusion
Cherry angiomas are one of the most common skin findings in adults (about half of people have them after age 30), yet they are among the least concerning. These small, round, red bumps are benign growths of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels, and despite their alarming appearance to the untrained eye, they are not a sign of cancer and cause no symptoms. Most people never need treatment at all; removal by a trained professional with an electric needle, liquid nitrogen, or a laser is purely a cosmetic choice, and the bumps may return over time. If a bump bleeds, treating it like a wound (clean, ointment, bandage) is enough for most cases.
Complex medical topics like this one are far easier to grasp when they are broken into simple visuals, which is why Rinnit's infographic templates can help you turn health information into clear explainers for yourself, your family, or your community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a cherry angioma?
A cherry angioma is a small, pinhead-like lesion on your skin that appears most commonly on your torso, arms, and legs. They are round, about 2 to 4 mm in size, and light to dark red. [8]
Is a cherry angioma dangerous?
No. Cherry angiomas are not dangerous or harmful. They are benign growths and not a sign of cancer. [8] [1]
Why are they called cherry angiomas?
The term "cherry" references their color and appearance on the skin [8], as angiomas typically form in groups that resemble small cherries.
What are Campbell de Morgan spots?
What are senile angiomas?
Senile angiomas are another name for cherry angiomas, used when referring to their occurrence in older adults. [8]
What is a cherry angioma made of?
Cherry angiomas are benign growths made of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. [8]
What is a cherry hemangioma made of?
Cherry hemangiomas are small growths made of blood vessels only.
What is the difference between a cherry angioma and a cherry hemangioma?
They look very similar but are made of different cells [8]: angiomas are made of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels, while hemangiomas are made of blood vessels only. Cherry angiomas are most commonly associated with adults, while hemangiomas can appear in early infancy through childhood. [8]
Are cherry angiomas and cherry hemangiomas the same thing?
Not exactly. They look very similar but involve different cells [8], and they differ in when they typically appear.
Where do cherry angiomas usually appear?
Most commonly on your torso, arms, and legs. [8]
How big is a cherry angioma?
They are about 2 to 4 millimeters in size. [8]
What color are cherry angiomas?
Light to dark red. [8]
Do cherry angiomas appear one at a time?
They often appear in groups. [8]
What does a cherry angioma look like?
It looks like a small, round, red bump on the skin, 1 to 5 mm in diameter, surrounded by a pale halo. [8]
Do cherry angiomas have a pale ring around them?
Yes. They are often surrounded by a pale halo. [8]
How common are cherry angiomas?
Do older adults get more cherry angiomas?
Can children get cherry angiomas?
Anyone can get them, but most appear with age. [7] [5] Hemangiomas (a related growth) can appear in early infancy through childhood. [8]
Do cherry angiomas affect men or women more?
Are cherry angiomas a sign of another medical condition?
Can cherry angiomas be confused with melanoma?
Yes. Cherry angiomas are benign growths that can easily be confused with melanoma and moles. [8]
Can cherry angiomas be confused with moles?
Yes. They can be confused with melanoma and moles. [8]
What causes cherry angiomas?
The direct cause is unknown, but research has identified aging, pregnancy hormones, genetic mutations, and chemical exposure as factors. [8]
Does aging cause cherry angiomas?
Yes. Aging is one of the identified factors, and most cherry angiomas appear with age. [8]
Does pregnancy cause cherry angiomas?
It can contribute. Studies show that hormones and high prolactin levels may be a factor in their development during pregnancy. [8]
What is prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone made by your pituitary gland. [8]
Do cherry angiomas go away after pregnancy?
Often, yes. Cherry angiomas that appear during pregnancy will often involute (reduce in size or disappear on their own) after delivery. [8]
What does involute mean?
Involute means the angioma reduces in size or disappears on its own. [8]
Can genetics cause cherry angiomas?
Yes. Genetic mutations are one of the identified factors. [8]
Can chemicals cause cherry angiomas?
Yes. Exposure to topical nitrogen mustard, bromides, and butoxyethanol has been identified as a factor. [8]
Do cherry angiomas cause symptoms?
Should cherry angiomas itch?
No. Cherry angiomas are asymptomatic and shouldn't itch. [8]
What if my cherry angioma itches?
Be cautious not to scratch the area, because scratching could irritate the angioma and cause it to bleed. [7] [6] Itching nearby may be caused by unrelated factors like allergies, acne, dry skin, or chickenpox or shingles. [8]
Can scratching a cherry angioma make it bleed?
What can cause an itchy bump near a cherry angioma?
An allergy, acne, dry skin, or chickenpox or shingles, all unrelated to the angioma itself. [8]
How are cherry angiomas diagnosed?
Do I need a biopsy for a cherry angioma?
No. No tests are needed to diagnose cherry angiomas. [8]
Do I need treatment for cherry angiomas?
What should I do if my cherry angioma bleeds?
Treat the area as a wound: clean it, apply antibacterial ointment, and cover it with a bandage. [8]
Can cherry angiomas get infected?
Yes. Because they are raised bumps, they could easily be scratched or injured, which could cause bleeding or infection. [8]
Can cherry angiomas be removed?
Yes. A surgeon can remove them, commonly because people don't like how they look or because a location bleeds frequently due to injury. [8] [7]
How are cherry angiomas removed?
By electrodesiccation (an electric needle), liquid nitrogen (a cold gas), or a laser. [8]
What is electrodesiccation?
A removal method that uses an electric needle. [8]
Does liquid nitrogen remove cherry angiomas?
Yes. Liquid nitrogen (a cold gas) is one of the removal methods. [8]
Can laser remove cherry angiomas?
Yes. Laser is one of the removal methods. [8]
Will cherry angioma removal leave a scar?
Often, the removal of cherry angiomas can cause scarring. [7]
Can I remove a cherry angioma at home?
No. Don't attempt to remove cherry angiomas at home. Only trained medical professionals should remove angiomas from your skin for your safety. [8]
Will cherry angiomas come back after removal?
Sometimes they will return to your skin after removal. [8] If they do come back, you don't need to worry because they're harmless.
How can I prevent cherry angiomas?
Since the direct cause is unknown, there is no 100% successful prevention. It is recommended to avoid topical nitrogen mustard, bromides, and butoxyethanol. [8]
What chemicals cause cherry angiomas?
Topical nitrogen mustard, bromides, and butoxyethanol. [8]
What is the outlook if I have cherry angiomas?
The outlook is positive. They are very common and harmless, and they don't need treatment unless they bother you. [5]
When should I see my healthcare provider about cherry angiomas?
If they are bothering you or frequently bleeding due to injury, talk to your healthcare provider about treating or removing them. [8] There is no need to rush for medical attention.
What questions should I ask my doctor about cherry angiomas?
Ask whether the bumps are cherry angiomas or a sign of melanoma, how to prevent injury to them, what the removal process involves, and whether removal will cause scarring. [8]
Related Reading
References
Pastor-Tomás N, Bañuls J, Nagore E. Clinical relevance of cherry angiomas. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2023;114(3):T240-T246. PMID: 36690145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ad.2022.10.040
Buslach N, Foulad DP, Saedi N, et al. Treatment modalities for cherry angiomas: a systematic review. Dermatol Surg. 2020;46(12):1691-1697. PMID: 33252464. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000002791
Shen-Wagner J, Amidon J, Carek S. Diagnosing common benign skin tumors. Am Fam Physician. 2024;110(4):353-361. PMID: 39418568. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39418568/
Luba MC, Bangs SA, Mohler AM, et al. Common benign skin tumors. American Family Physician. 2003;67(4):729-738. PMID 12613727. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12613727/
Oakley A. Cherry angioma. DermNet. Revised September 2020. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/cherry-angioma
Primary Care Dermatology Society. Angioma (cherry angioma syn Campbell de Morgan spot). PCDS Clinical Guidance. Last updated June 5, 2026. https://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/cherry-angioma-syn-campbell-de-morgan-spot
Qadeer HA, Singal A, Patel BC. Cherry Hemangioma. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Updated April 3, 2023. PMID 33085354. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563207/
Cleveland Clinic. Cherry Angioma. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated April 19, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22786-cherry-angioma
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition or before making decisions about treatment.
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