Guide To Treating A Cherry Angioma

Individuals who have reached thirty years old or over and noticed an odd red dot on their skin might be understandably concerned. After all, that wasn't there before. The small red dot is called a cherry angioma, which is essentially a red mole or skin growth. The reason they're red is because of the small blood vessels collected within the growth. Luckily, the cherry angioma itself isn't cause for concern. Though if the growth starts to change sizes, color, and shape, patients should notify their doctor. For others, however, it's mostly a cosmetic concern.

Laser Surgery

One of the most effective options for having a cherry angioma removed is laser surgery. It's a relatively quick procedure requiring very little downtime, if any at all. The doctor will use a pulsed dye laser, which uses a specific color to hone in on the designated area the doctor wants to destroy. In the case of a cherry angioma, the laser will be yellow. This color is attracted to the red of the growth and basically destroys it without injuring the surrounding area. The laser uses heat to destroy the growth.

If patients have just one cherry angioma, they can have the surgery performed quickly and be on their way afterward. The most patients may notice as a side effect is slight bruising. Patients who have multiple cherry angiomas and want them removed may need a few treatments to treat them all. This is especially true if the cherry angiomas reside in a close-knit space. Regardless, laser surgery is an effective method to remove cherry angiomas.

Electrocauterization

Another method of treatment for cherry angiomas patients might consider is electrocauterization, which involves the use of electricity to heat the growth right off the body. While it is effective, it certainly isn't for the faint of heart. Luckily, the preparation for this surgery is quite easy. Patients basically need to make sure they don't take medication that can thin the blood for a few weeks before the surgery. Patients with anemia or a clotting disorder may want to pass on this form of surgery.

Like most surgeries, the doctor will instruct patients not to eat or drink anything a full day before their surgery. Once in the room, the doctor will place a grounding pad somewhere underneath the patient's body, typically the thigh. This is to make sure the rest of the body isn't electrocuted. The area of treatment will then be shaved and gelled to prevent burns. From there, the doctor will use a probe to send an electric current to the growth, which will be destroyed quickly.

Shave Excision

Patients uncomfortable with the idea of surgery or having their body cut in some way might prefer shave excision to remove a cherry angioma. The procedure is quite simple. The doctor will use a sharp razor to slowly cut down the growth until it is removed entirely. In this way, only the growth itself is touched, and the rest of the patient's skin is left unmarred. This is especially useful for patients who do not want their skin to be cut into and have to deal with stitches.

This method of growth removal also typically tends to leave fewer scars. Local anesthesia is used to ensure individuals don't feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. An electrode might be used to burn the edges of the growth so everything is smooth and even in tone. After that, doctors will likely apply an ointment and bandage to help with the bleeding and to prevent the area from rubbing.

Cryosurgery

Another quick and easy procedure to remove a cherry angioma is cryosurgery. As its name might suggest, cryosurgery involves the use of extreme cold. Usually, it's practiced to remove tumors and other cancerous or pre-cancerous growths on the body. Under certain circumstances, cryosurgery may also be used internally to deal with tumors. For a cherry angioma, it can be used just as well to remove the growth. Much like a conventional surgery, patients will be asked not to eat or drink anything the day before their surgery.

After that, patients will roll on in and be given a local numbing medicine to ensure they don't feel any discomfort during the procedure. With the area prepared, the doctor will then apply liquid nitrogen against the growth with a cotton ball or even a spray. The extreme cold will kill the cells, and the body will absorb the growth. Typically, patients can return home right after the surgery, though they must follow aftercare instructions.

Treating Potential Scarring

With certain surgeries and procedures for cherry angioma removal comes the chance of developing scars. Lasers and electricity are the main two that might leave patients with a scar, though shaving excision can as well if the cherry angioma is in an awkward place. Luckily, much like most scars, there are steps patients can take to treat potential scarring. Many tote the uses of silicone and how it keeps the skin from overproducing melanin. All individuals need to do is place the silicone gel over the affected area. This will smooth the skin production so there aren't any awkward edges that can form a scar. It's also important for patients to avoid picking at any damage from the treatments, as constantly having to heal and re-heal can make scars form.