Clinical Relevance of Cherry Angiomas

Cherry angiomas are the most common vascular tumors of the skin. They are particularly prevalent in the general population and become more common with age. Although an association with cancer was suggested at the end of the 19th century, when these tumors were first described, it could not be demonstrated. For many decades, therefore, cherry angiomas were considered to have no clinical relevance other than their association with age. A number of studies in recent years, however, have shown a link between cherry angiomas and exposure to various toxic substances and medications, benign and malignant diseases, and immunosuppression, rekindling interest in these lesions and providing clues for a better understanding of their etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical relevance.