Pyogenic granuloma complicating pulsed-dye laser therapy for cherry angioma

A 37 year-old-woman presented for cosmetic removal of a 7-mm (diameter) cherry angioma on her right anterior thigh. Various treatment options were discussed and removal of the lesion using pulsed-dye laser was carried out. The patient returned 5 weeks later complaining of bleeding from the treatment site, which on examination showed a 23 x 23-mm friable nodular lesion with the typical appearance of a pyogenic granuloma. This lesion was removed by shave excision, curettage and electrodessication. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma. This is a rare occurrence post pulsed-dye laser therapy that physicians may choose to discuss with patients prior to performing this procedure.