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Sclerosing angioma

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Sclerosing angioma, also known as cirsoid angioma, is a rare benign vascular neoplasm characterized by dilated blood vessels and a tendency towards chronic bleeding and ulceration 3.

Diagnosis

  • Ultrasonography can reveal hyperechoic and homogeneous echostructures in smaller lesions (<3 cm) 2.
  • Histological examination is essential for definitive diagnosis, though specific imaging patterns may suggest the condition.
  • Management

  • First-line treatments: Electrothrombosis has shown efficacy in reducing lesion size and bleeding, particularly in facial and scalp locations 3.
  • Adjunctive treatments: Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is preferred for its efficacy and lower pain profile compared to other laser modalities like potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) and electrodessication (ED) 1. Nd:YAG laser 1064 nm may be considered to minimize pigmentary complications 1.
  • Non-laser options: Cryotherapy, sclerotherapy, electrosurgery (including electrocoagulation), and radiofrequency ablation are alternative approaches but no single method is superior 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Elderly: No specific considerations noted, but laser therapies like PDL are generally well-tolerated 1.
  • Comorbidities: No direct evidence provided regarding specific comorbidities; however, treatment choice should consider bleeding risks and potential complications 3.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Consider electrothrombosis as a first-line treatment for sclerosing angioma, especially in facial and scalp regions, due to its effectiveness in reducing lesion size and bleeding (Evidence: Moderate 3).
  • Pulsed dye laser therapy is recommended for its efficacy and lower pain profile compared to other laser treatments, particularly in darker-skinned individuals to avoid pigmentary changes (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Evaluate non-laser modalities such as cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation as adjunctive treatments when laser options are not feasible or preferred (Evidence: Weak 1).
  • References

    1 Buslach N, Foulad DP, Saedi N, Mesinkovska NA. Treatment Modalities for Cherry Angiomas: A Systematic Review. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] 2020. link 2 Bruneton JN, Drouillard J, Fenart D, Caramella E. Echography in hepatic angiomas. Ultrasound in medicine & biology 1983. link 3 Ogawa Y, Inoue K. Electrothrombosis as a treatment of cirsoid angioma in the face and scalp and varicosis of the leg. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1982. link 4 Marriott PJ, Munro DD, Ryan T. Angioma serpiginosum--familial incidence. The British journal of dermatology 1975. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Treatment Modalities for Cherry Angiomas: A Systematic Review.Buslach N, Foulad DP, Saedi N, Mesinkovska NA Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (2020)
    2. [2]
      Echography in hepatic angiomas.Bruneton JN, Drouillard J, Fenart D, Caramella E Ultrasound in medicine & biology (1983)
    3. [3]
    4. [4]
      Angioma serpiginosum--familial incidence.Marriott PJ, Munro DD, Ryan T The British journal of dermatology (1975)

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