Contents
What is angioma
Angioma is a benign formation of lymphatic (lymphangioma) and blood (hemangioma) vessels in the form of a red mole or vascular “asterisk”. Angioma in adults can appear on almost any part of the body – on the face and neck, on the back, on the chest, arms and legs, and even on the internal organs. Sometimes these formations can disappear on their own, but most often with age (after 30 years) their number only increases. According to WHO statistics, 75% of adults have an angioma.
It is also worth noting that although angioma is often called a red mole, this formation has nothing to do with a mole. Moles do not arise from blood vessels, but from nevus melanocyte cells.
Types of angioma
There are a huge number of varieties of angiomas, but by origin they are divided into two groups – hemangiomas (formed from a collection of blood vessels) and lymphangiomas (from lymphatic vessels). Lymphangiomas are much less common and are nodules or protrusions, while the skin color on them does not change.
By type of structure, simple (capillary), cavernous, branched and intraosseous angiomas are distinguished.
Simple (capillary) angiomas most often they are congenital – those same “birthmarks”. They can be completely flat or slightly raised above the surface of the skin and range from dark cherry to dark blue. A simple angioma consists of dilated, tortuous and corkscrewed capillaries. Simple angiomas can appear anywhere and reach the size of a palm. As a rule, they do not cause any discomfort, but sometimes they can affect the appearance (especially if they are located on the face or open areas of the body).
Cavernous (cavernous) angiomas are pulsating formations of purple color. Their structure is such that blood is brought into their wide cavernous cavities by very narrow arteries and removed from them by wide veins. The formation itself is soft to the touch, and if you squeeze it, it quickly restores its original appearance. Often cavernous angiomas are found in the liver of the elderly, as well as in the adipose tissue of the orbit and in the bones.
Vetvistaya angioma is much less common and is formed on the limbs (sometimes on the head or face), is a tortuous tangle of dilated arteries. In this case, the skin over the branched angioma is of normal color, but may be covered with capillary angiomas.
Intraosseous angiomas develop mainly on the bones of the skull and become noticeable only when they spread to nearby tissues. They can cause bleeding, and intraosseous angioma can most often be detected only on x-rays.
Causes of angioma in adults
Experts have not yet come to a consensus, which is why angiomas are formed. The main reason is called dysfunction of the lymphatic and circulatory system.
Most often, angiomas occur as a result of:
- hormonal disorders (during pregnancy, the use of COCs, increased estrogen, etc.);
- frequent and long exposure to the open sun or abuse of the solarium;
- diseases of the liver (fatty hepatosis, cirrhosis), pancreas and gastrointestinal tract;
- skin injury or burns;
- lack of vitamin C (hence the increased “fragility” of blood vessels);
- hereditary factor.
Symptoms of angioma in adults
Angiomas are usually simply skin defects that do not cause discomfort or pain, but can bleed profusely when damaged. They can occur on any part of the body, but they are more common on the chest, upper back, and arms.
Angiomas have different sizes: from 0,5 mm to several millimeters in diameter. They can also look different, depending on the type – in the form of a red or burgundy spot, hemangiomas are often red-blue, colorless lymphangiomas.
Treatment of angioma in adults
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of superficial angiomas usually does not cause any difficulty for a specialist. In some cases, when it is necessary to exclude other benign or malignant formations, the doctor uses a dermatoscope, in difficult cases, when it is necessary to exclude the same melanoma, a biopsy is prescribed.
If the angioma is located in the human body, then a set of studies is used – if an intraosseous angioma is suspected, an x-ray is prescribed, if an angioma of the internal organs is detected, the method of angiography, ultrasound, CT is used.
Modern treatments
Of course, many people are interested in the question – is it necessary to treat angiomas or is it easier to leave them alone if they do not cause any concern. If the angiomas are small, then it is easier to leave them and just watch them. Small and medium-sized angiomas sometimes disappear well after lotions with apple cider vinegar (it is better to consult a doctor first).
If the angiomas are large, often injured and bleed, or affect a person’s appearance, then they need to be removed surgically. There are three options for removing angiomas – radio wave removal, electrocoagulation and laser removal. All these methods allow you to remove the angioma without affecting the surrounding tissues, the procedure is painless and bloodless, and the healing process is fast and does not cause inconvenience.
– There are conservative treatment (expectant tactics, oral medication, lotions), surgical treatment (cryolysis, sclerotherapy, laser treatment, surgical methods). In each case of detection of this pathology, an individual approach to the patient is required, which will provide the most optimal and appropriate treatment, – clarifies vascular surgeon, phlebologist Denis Ibragimov.
Prevention of angioma in adults at home
Prevention of congenital angiomas does not exist. You can avoid their appearance in adolescence and adulthood by limiting the time spent in direct sunlight. You should also lead a healthy lifestyle and adhere to proper nutrition. ⠀
“If there are too many angiomas, you should additionally consult a dermatologist and gastroenterologist, do a general and biochemical blood test to make sure that there are no hidden health problems,” experts advise.