Summary about Disease
An angioma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor composed primarily of blood vessels (hemangioma) or lymphatic vessels (lymphangioma). They can occur anywhere on the body, but are commonly found on the skin, in the brain, or in internal organs. Angiomas vary greatly in size and appearance, and most do not cause any symptoms. Treatment is usually only necessary if they cause cosmetic concerns or functional problems.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the angioma.
Skin angiomas: May appear as small, red or purple bumps (cherry angiomas), spider-like veins (spider angiomas), or larger, raised areas of discoloration.
Brain angiomas (cavernous malformations): Can cause seizures, headaches, weakness, numbness, vision changes, or difficulty with speech. Some may be asymptomatic.
Liver angiomas: Usually asymptomatic, but large ones can cause abdominal pain, nausea, or a feeling of fullness.
Other internal organ angiomas: Symptoms vary based on the organ affected.
Causes
The exact causes of angiomas are not always fully understood.
Genetic factors: Some angiomas, particularly cavernous malformations of the brain, are linked to genetic mutations and can run in families.
Hormonal factors: Some angiomas, like spider angiomas, can be associated with hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or liver disease.
Environmental factors: In some cases, exposure to certain chemicals or toxins during development might play a role.
Spontaneous development: Many angiomas appear spontaneously without a clear identifiable cause.
Medicine Used
Treatment isn't always necessary. If treatment is needed, options vary depending on the type, size, and location of the angioma, as well as the symptoms it causes. Common treatment approaches include:
Laser therapy: Used for skin angiomas, to destroy abnormal blood vessels.
Surgical removal: Used for larger angiomas or those causing significant symptoms.
Sclerotherapy: Involves injecting a solution into the angioma to shrink it.
Embolization: Used for brain angiomas, to block blood flow to the malformation.
Medications: Beta blockers (e.g., propranolol) can be used to treat some infantile hemangiomas. Corticosteroids may also be used in some cases.
Is Communicable
No. Angiomas are not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Since the cause is often unknown, specific precautions are difficult to define. The following are general guidelines.
Genetic counseling: If there's a family history of cavernous malformations, genetic counseling can provide information on inheritance risks.
Sun protection: For skin angiomas, avoid excessive sun exposure, as this can exacerbate the condition in some cases.
Regular monitoring: If you have an angioma, especially in the brain or other internal organ, regular check-ups and imaging studies may be recommended to monitor for changes or complications.
Avoid trauma: Try to avoid trauma or injury to the area where the angioma is located, as this could potentially cause bleeding or other problems.
How long does an outbreak last?
Angiomas are not an "outbreak" type of disease. They develop as a growth of blood or lymph vessels. They either remain stable, grow slowly, or, in some cases, may spontaneously regress (shrink). There's no defined outbreak period. Some, especially infantile hemangiomas, may grow rapidly initially, then stabilize and slowly involute over several years.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical examination: A doctor will examine the angioma and ask about symptoms.
Medical history: The doctor will inquire about your medical history and any family history of similar conditions.
Imaging studies: Depending on the location of the angioma, imaging tests may be used, such as:
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): For brain and internal organ angiomas.
CT scan (computed tomography scan): For internal organ angiomas.
Ultrasound: For superficial angiomas.
Biopsy: In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline varies widely depending on the type, location, and size of the angioma.
Infantile hemangiomas: Typically appear within the first few weeks or months of life, grow rapidly for several months, then gradually shrink over several years.
Cherry angiomas: Appear in adulthood, increasing in number with age and typically remaining stable.
Cavernous malformations (brain): May be present at birth, but symptoms may not appear until adulthood. The onset of symptoms can be sudden (e.g., seizure) or gradual (e.g., progressive weakness).
Important Considerations
Psychological Impact: Visible angiomas, especially on the face or other prominent areas, can cause psychological distress and impact self-esteem.
Complications: Depending on the location, angiomas can lead to complications such as bleeding, pain, disfigurement, or neurological problems.
Pregnancy: Women with certain types of angiomas, such as brain cavernous malformations, should discuss potential risks during pregnancy with their doctor.
Second opinions: If you have been diagnosed with an angioma, especially in a critical area such as the brain, it may be helpful to seek a second opinion from a specialist.