Cherry Angiomas of the Scalp

Cherry angiomas are benign growths of blood vessels. They are common on the trunk and limbs especially with advancing age. They are less common on the scalp.

75 % of people over age 70 have cherry angiomas on their body. A recent study of 171 patients age 18 to 75 (average age 40) showed that 72 % had cherry angiomas on the scalp making them common lesions.

The cause is not clear although risk factors include chemicals, use of drugs such as cyclosporine, pregnancy, and heat.

These lesions are harmless and therefore they are rarely biopsied. But a biopsy shows the formation of new capillaries surrounded by walls made of collagen (which gives it a whitish appearance - see photo). If treatment is desired for cosmetic purposes, curretage, laser and electrosurgery can be used.

Reference
Pereira. Cherry hemangioma in the scalp. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2004