Summary about Disease
Pyogenic granuloma (PG), also known as lobular capillary hemangioma, is a common, benign, acquired vascular lesion of the skin and mucous membranes. It is characterized by a rapidly growing, small, rounded bump that bleeds easily. Despite its name, it is not caused by infection and is not truly a granuloma.
Symptoms
Rapidly growing, small, smooth or ulcerated papule or nodule.
Typically red, reddish-brown, or bluish-black in color.
Bleeds easily with minimal trauma.
Usually painless, but can be painful if large or irritated.
Most commonly found on the fingers, hands, face, lips, and mouth, but can occur anywhere on the body.
May appear as a single lesion or multiple lesions.
Causes
The exact cause of pyogenic granulomas is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute:
Minor trauma or injury to the skin or mucous membrane.
Hormonal changes (e.g., during pregnancy).
Certain medications (e.g., retinoids, some chemotherapy drugs, oral contraceptives).
Pre-existing vascular malformations.
Viral infections (rarely).
Medicine Used
Topical medications:
Topical corticosteroids: May reduce inflammation and size, particularly for small lesions.
Imiquimod cream: An immune response modifier that can stimulate the body to reject the lesion.
Silver nitrate: Used to cauterize the lesion and stop bleeding.
Other treatments:
Surgical excision: Cutting out the lesion.
Curettage and cautery: Scraping off the lesion followed by burning the base.
Laser therapy: Using a laser to remove the lesion.
Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesion off with liquid nitrogen.
Sclerotherapy: Injecting a solution into the lesion to collapse the blood vessels.
Is Communicable
No, pyogenic granuloma is not contagious or communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Avoid trauma to the affected area.
Keep the area clean and dry.
Protect the lesion from irritation.
Consult a doctor for treatment and follow-up.
If caused by medication, discuss alternatives with your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Pyogenic granulomas typically grow rapidly over a few weeks to months, reaching their maximum size within a few weeks. Without treatment, they may persist for months or even years. Treatment can resolve the lesion within days to weeks, depending on the method used.
How is it diagnosed?
Clinical examination: Usually, a diagnosis can be made based on the lesion's appearance and history.
Dermoscopy: A magnified view of the skin using a dermatoscope can help aid diagnosis.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, especially in cases where the diagnosis is uncertain or the lesion is atypical.
Timeline of Symptoms
Initial Stage: A small, often unnoticed bump appears on the skin or mucous membrane.
Rapid Growth Phase: Over the next few weeks (typically 2-3 weeks), the bump rapidly increases in size, becoming more prominent and noticeable.
Mature Phase: The lesion reaches its maximum size and becomes more prone to bleeding with minimal trauma. The surface may be smooth, shiny, or ulcerated.
Potential Complications (if untreated): Persistent bleeding, secondary infection, and continued presence of the lesion.
Important Considerations
While generally benign, a pyogenic granuloma should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other more serious conditions, such as melanoma or other skin cancers.
Recurrence is possible after treatment, especially if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Pregnant women may experience spontaneous resolution of pyogenic granulomas after delivery due to hormonal changes.
Prompt treatment can help prevent complications like bleeding and infection.