Cherry Angioma Removal in Manchester
Cherry angiomas (Campbell de Morgan spots) are small, bright red spots on the skin. They are harmless, but many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. We treat them with vascular laser at our Manchester (Deansgate Square) and Knutsford clinics, after a consultation with our medical team.
- Consultation before any treatment
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What is a cherry angioma?
A cherry angioma is a small, benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of tiny dilated blood vessels called capillaries. They are also known as Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas, and they are the most common type of angioma. Most people develop at least a few as they get older.
They usually look like smooth, bright red to purple dots between 1mm and 5mm across. Some are flat; larger ones become slightly raised and dome-shaped. They do not turn into cancer and do not need treatment unless they bother you, catch on clothing or bleed.
What causes cherry angiomas?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors make cherry angiomas more likely to appear.
Age
Cherry angiomas usually start to appear from your 30s and become more common with each decade. It is normal to notice new ones over time.
Genetics
They tend to run in families, so if your parents had many red spots you are more likely to develop them too.
Hormonal changes and pregnancy
Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can trigger new spots. Some fade after pregnancy; others remain.
Sudden crops of new spots
Occasionally many new spots appear over a short period. This is usually harmless, but a sudden eruption of lots of new spots is worth having checked by a doctor so other causes can be ruled out.
What do cherry angiomas look like?
Many people first search for “small red dots on skin” before finding the name. Cherry angiomas are typically:
- bright cherry-red, sometimes darker purple as they age
- round or oval, from pinpoint size up to about 5mm
- smooth, and either flat or slightly raised
- painless, although they can bleed heavily if scratched or caught
They do not fade when you press on them as much as a simple broken blood vessel might, and they do not itch.
Where do cherry angiomas appear?
They can appear anywhere, but are most common on the chest, stomach, back, shoulders and upper arms. They can also appear on the face, scalp and legs.
Treatment options for cherry angiomas
Cherry angiomas are harmless, so treatment is optional. If you would like them removed, there are several methods. The right one depends on the size, number and position of the spots, and your skin type.
Vascular laser (VBeam pulsed dye laser)
A pulsed dye laser such as VBeam targets the red pigment in blood. It heats and closes the tiny blood vessels in the angioma while leaving the surrounding skin largely untouched. It is our preferred option for most cherry angiomas, particularly small ones, multiple spots and those on the face.
Electrocautery (hyfrecation)
A fine electrical needle seals the blood vessels. It works well for single, slightly raised spots. A small scab forms and heals over one to two weeks, with a small risk of a pale mark or scar.
Shave excision
Larger raised angiomas can be shaved off under local anaesthetic. This removes the spot in one visit and allows it to be sent for analysis if there is any doubt about the diagnosis.
Cryotherapy
Freezing with liquid nitrogen can be used, but it is less precise on red spots and carries a higher risk of blistering and pigment change, so we use it less often.
How does laser treatment work for cherry angiomas?
The laser delivers short pulses of light that are absorbed by the blood inside the angioma. This closes the vessel, which is then gradually cleared by the body. Small spots often clear after one session; larger spots may need two or three, spaced four to six weeks apart.
Precision
The light is absorbed by the blood vessels, so the surrounding skin is protected.
Minimal downtime
Most people return to normal activities straight away.
Cosmetic results
Because the skin surface is not cut, laser treatment usually leaves no scar.
Treatment feels like a quick snap of an elastic band and is generally well tolerated without anaesthetic. Afterwards the area may be red or slightly swollen, and some spots darken or bruise for one to two weeks before fading. Pigment changes are uncommon. We always start with a test patch.
Can I have cherry angiomas removed on the NHS?
Usually not. Because cherry angiomas are harmless, removing them is considered cosmetic and is not normally offered on the NHS. Your GP may refer you if a spot bleeds repeatedly or if there is doubt about what it is. Otherwise, removal is carried out privately.
Are cherry angiomas cancerous?
No. Cherry angiomas are benign and do not become cancerous. However, not every red or dark spot is a cherry angioma, so any spot that looks different from your others should be checked.
When should I see a doctor about red spots?
See a doctor if a spot changes in size, shape or colour, bleeds without being injured, becomes painful, or if many new spots appear suddenly. Dark, irregular or changing spots should always be assessed in person.
Cherry angioma removal at CLNQ, and what it costs
At CLNQ, cherry angiomas are assessed by our medical team before any treatment. We confirm the diagnosis, discuss whether laser, hyfrecation or excision suits you best, and give you a clear quote based on how many spots you would like treated.
VBeam laser treatment starts from £180, and a £50 test patch is usually done first. You can see full prices on our VBeam laser page.
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