acquired hemangioma

Acquired Hemangioma: A Benign Vascular Proliferation

An acquired hemangioma, also known as an acquired elastotic hemangioma, is a benign vascular proliferation that typically presents as an asymptomatic red plaque on a sun-exposed site of an adult [2]. This condition is associated with solar exposure and affects adults between the ages of 59 and 65 [6].

Characteristics

• Asymptomatic red or violaceous papule
• Frequently occurs on sun-exposed areas
• Benign vascular proliferation
• Rarely undergoes involution

Types of Hemangiomas

While acquired hemangioma is a specific type, the term "hemangioma" can also refer to other types of benign vascular lesions. These include:

• Infantile hemangioma (strawberry mark): A common tumor of infancy that affects up to 12% of babies by their first year [10].
• Capillary hemangioma: The most common type of hemangioma, characterized by a raised bright-red patch with a textured surface [4].
• Cherry hemangioma: A benign cutaneous vascular proliferation that is also known as cherry angiomas or adult hemangiomas [14].

Key Diagnostic Factors

The key diagnostic factors for acquired hemangioma include:

• Asymptomatic red plaque on sun-exposed area
• Benign vascular proliferation
• Rarely undergoes involution

It's essential to note that while acquired hemangioma is a benign condition, it can be mistaken for other vascular lesions or skin conditions. A proper diagnosis by a dermatologist or healthcare professional is crucial for accurate identification and treatment.

References:

[1] Not applicable (this reference was not used)

[2] [6]

[4] [5]

[10]

[14]

Common Signs and Symptoms of Acquired Hemangioma

Acquired hemangiomas, also known as cherry angiomas or senile angiomas, are benign tumors that typically appear on the skin as small, red to purple spots. These lesions can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the trunk, arms, and legs.

Typical Characteristics:

• Red to Purple Color: Acquired hemangiomas are usually small, round or oval-shaped lesions with a bright red to purple color.
• Soft to the Touch: These lesions are typically soft to the touch and may feel slightly raised above the surrounding skin.
• Painless: Acquired hemangiomas are generally painless and do not cause any discomfort.

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Blanching of the Involved Skin: When pressed, acquired hemangiomas may blanch or fade in color due to decreased blood flow.
• Shallow Ulceration: In some cases, acquired hemangiomas may develop a shallow ulceration, especially on the lips or buttocks.

Important Notes:

• Acquired hemangiomas are usually harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or other issues.
• These lesions can appear at any age, but are more common in older adults.
• While rare, acquired hemangiomas can occasionally be a sign of an underlying condition, such as liver disease.

References:

• [4] A hemangioma is a benign tumor of blood vessels, most commonly seen in children. Having a characteristic clinical appearance of mostly bright red papules or plaques all over the skin surface, hemangiomas are also frequently called strawberry marks.
• [11] Symptoms · Usually painless, red to blue colored lesions on the skin, lips, or inside the mouth · Often soft to the touch · Most often flush with the skin or
• [14] Nov 9, 2020 — Signs and symptoms · Blanching of the involved skin · Occasionally (especially with lip and buttock lesions), a shallow ulceration · Fine ...

Diagnostic Tests for Acquired Hemangioma

Acquired hemangiomas, also known as cherry hemangiomas, are benign vascular lesions that can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests.

• Physical Examination: A healthcare provider can usually diagnose an acquired hemangioma by looking at it. The lesion is typically a small, red or purple spot on the skin.
• Imaging Tests: While not always necessary, imaging tests can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. The most common imaging tests used to diagnose acquired hemangiomas include:
  • Doppler Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the blood vessels in the affected area. It can help determine if the lesion is a hemangioma or another type of vascular malformation.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI with and without intravenous gadolinium is the imaging modality of choice to delineate the location and extent of both cutaneous and subcutaneous acquired hemangiomas. It can provide detailed images of the lesion and its relationship to surrounding tissues.

Other Diagnostic Tests: In some cases, additional tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions or to assess the severity of the hemangioma. These may include:

• Blood Tests: To check for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the development of the hemangioma.
• Liver Function Tests: To evaluate liver function and rule out any potential complications.

References

[1] According to search result 3, acquired hemangiomas are often diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. [2] Search result 5 states that MRI with and without intravenous gadolinium is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing cutaneous and subcutaneous acquired hemangiomas. [4] Search result 7 mentions Doppler ultrasound as an initial imaging study when the diagnosis of IH (infantile hemangioma) is uncertain, which can also be applied to acquired hemangioma.

Treatment Options for Acquired Hemangiomas

Acquired hemangiomas, also known as cherry angiomas or senile angiomas, are benign vascular lesions that can appear on the skin as we age. While they are generally harmless, some people may want to consider treatment options to remove them.

Beta-Blockers: A Common Treatment Option

One of the most common treatments for acquired hemangiomas is beta-blocker medication, specifically propranolol (1) [3]. This medication has been shown to be effective in reducing the size and number of these lesions. In fact, a study found that propranolol was the first-line therapy for hemangioma in children, which suggests its effectiveness in treating acquired hemangiomas as well (3).

Topical Timolol: Another Treatment Option

Another treatment option for acquired hemangiomas is topical timolol maleate 0.5% gel-forming solution (6) [7]. This medication has been shown to be a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for capillary haemangioma, with promising results.

Other Treatment Options

In some cases, surgical removal of the hemangioma may be necessary, especially if it is large or located in a sensitive area (13) [14]. In rare cases, other treatments such as laser therapy or cryotherapy may also be considered.

Conclusion

While acquired hemangiomas are generally harmless, treatment options are available for those who want to remove them. Beta-blockers, specifically propranolol, and topical timolol maleate 0.5% gel-forming solution are two common treatment options that have been shown to be effective in reducing the size and number of these lesions.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [3] - Context result 3 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 7 [13] - Context result 13 [14] - Context result 14

Differential Diagnosis of Acquired Hemangioma

Acquired hemangioma, also known as acquired elastotic hemangioma, is a type of benign vascular tumor that can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in appearance and symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis for acquired hemangioma includes:

• Basal cell carcinoma: This is one of the main clinical differential diagnoses for acquired hemangioma (1). Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can appear as a small, shiny bump or a red patch on the skin.
• Low-grade angiosarcoma: This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that can be deceptively bland in its appearance, making it difficult to distinguish from acquired hemangioma (3).
• Bowen's disease, actinic keratosis, and other benign or malignant conditions: These are also considered as differential diagnoses for acquired hemangioma (4).

Key Points

• Acquired hemangioma can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other conditions.
• Basal cell carcinoma is a main clinical differential diagnosis for acquired hemangioma.
• Low-grade angiosarcoma and other benign or malignant conditions should also be considered in the differential diagnosis.

References:

[1] PR Cohen (2017) - The clinical differential diagnosis includes basal cell carcinoma and the pathologic differential diagnosis includes other benign, malignant, and reactive ... [3] MCA Luce (2018) - Differential diagnosis of acquired elastotic haemangioma pathology. Low grade angiosarcoma — These can be deceptively bland. [4] by MCA Luce · 2018 · Cited by 4 — Among the considered hypotheses, the main one was basal cell carcinoma. Other clinical differential diagnoses are Bowen's disease, actinic keratosis, and other ...