Treatment Modalities for Cherry Angiomas: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cherry angiomas are benign vascular proliferations of endothelial cells associated with aging. Currently, no mainstay of treatment for these vascular anomalies exists. OBJECTIVE To review existing evidence-based therapies for the treatment of cherry angiomas. METHODS A literature search in May 2019 was performed with PubMed Database and Cochrane Library using the following terms: “cherry angioma,” “senile hemangioma,” “senile angioma,” “cherry hemangioma,” and “Campbell de Morgan spots.” RESULTS Ten studies included in this systematic review reported laser therapy and nonlaser therapy as efficacious treatments for cherry angiomas. Among the laser therapies, pulsed dye laser (PDL) was preferred over potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) and electrodessication (ED), based on decreased procedure-related pain. The neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser 1064 nm produced less pigmentary complications, whereas KTP and PDL risked pigmentary changes in darker-skinned individuals. Nonlaser therapies included cryotherapy, sclerotherapy, electrosurgery (i.e., ED, electrocoagulation), and radiofrequency ablation. No therapy proved to be superior. CONCLUSION A variety of therapeutic modalities exist for the treatment of cherry angiomas. However, a limited number of high-quality studies explored the efficacy of treatments and compared treatment modalities. Light-based methods such as argon, KTP, Nd:YAG, intense pulsed light, and PDL, along with non–light-based interventions such as cryotherapy, electrosurgery, and sclerotherapy effectively treated cherry angiomas.

Skin anomalies in acromegalic patients (Review of the practical aspects)

“…Cherry angiomas have been reported in acromegaly according to some studies with a higher prevalence than the global population (49). Generally, cherry angiomas are related to aging or to different pro-angiogenesis elements, despite the fact that the exact cause remains unknown (50). Most angiogenetic factors involve small vessel obstruction due to anomalies of lipid profile as seen in acromegaly (51).…”

Common benign and malignant tumours of the aging skin: Characteristics and treatment options

“…In the event of a definite diagnosis, if the patient requests the removal of SL for aesthetic reasons, chemical peeling or retinoid creams with an exfoliating effect can be used in addition to the above-mentioned techniques [13]. Another common benign lesion of vascular origin is senile angioma, also known as cherry angioma or Campbell de Morgan spots, which likewise have no malignant transformation potential [14]. These lesions thus require no action, other than for aesthetic reasons, in which case they can be removed by electrocautery, CO 2 lasers, and especially vascular lasers, such as diode, pulse dye (PDL) or Nd:YAG lasers [14].…”

“…Another common benign lesion of vascular origin is senile angioma, also known as cherry angioma or Campbell de Morgan spots, which likewise have no malignant transformation potential [14]. These lesions thus require no action, other than for aesthetic reasons, in which case they can be removed by electrocautery, CO 2 lasers, and especially vascular lasers, such as diode, pulse dye (PDL) or Nd:YAG lasers [14]. In skin folds, such as the axilla, groin and neck area, irritation makes the skin vulnerable to the development of soft fibromas (also called skin tags or acrochordons).…”

Lasers in dermatology. Recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society. Part II. Treatment of vascular lesions

“…Lesions of this type can be treated with electrocoagulation, but most effectively and without significant side effects they are treated with lasers generating wavelengths of 532 nm, 595 nm or 1064 nm. Although the 1064 nm wave therapy usually requires a single treatment, patients often choose repeated treatments with shorter waves due to the lower pain symptoms [49,50].…”

“…In the case of superficial and planar lesions, devices emitting wavelengths of 585 nm and 595 nm are the most effective, i bez znacznych działań ubocznych są one leczone laserami generującymi fale o długościach 532 nm, 595 nm lub 1064 nm. Mimo iż terapia falami 1064 nm wymaga zazwyczaj 1 zabiegu, pacjenci często wybierają powtarzane zabiegi krótszymi falami ze względu na mniejsze dolegliwości bólowe [49,50].…”