ANGIOMA

Angiomas are benign vascular lesions that are formed by an abnormally large number of blood vessels. They usually appear as a small raised spot on the skin, although some can grow to a larger size and can appear in the brain, liver, or other internal organs. The cause of angiomas is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels during fetal development. Treatment of angiomas is usually not necessary, unless they cause physical or cosmetic problems.

Angiomas can be classified into two main categories: capillary and cavernous. Capillary angiomas are the most common type, and they appear as red or purple spots on the skin, usually on the head or neck. They are composed of small, thin-walled blood vessels, and they are usually not associated with any health problems. Cavernous angiomas, on the other hand, are composed of larger, thick-walled blood vessels, and they can be found in the brain, liver, and other organs. These types of angiomas can cause serious health problems, and they often require medical treatment.

The diagnosis of angiomas is usually made based on the appearance of the lesion. Capillary angiomas are usually diagnosed with a physical exam, while cavernous angiomas require imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment of angiomas depends on the type and location of the lesion. Capillary angiomas do not generally require treatment, and usually resolve on their own. Cavernous angiomas, however, can cause serious medical problems, and may require surgical removal or embolization to reduce the risk of complications.

Overall, angiomas are benign vascular lesions that can occur in many different parts of the body. They are usually not associated with any health problems, but some types of angiomas can cause serious complications. Diagnosis and treatment of angiomas depend on the type and location of the lesion.

References

Kuhn, F. A., & Mihm, M. C. (2005). Vascular tumors and malformations. The New England Journal of Medicine, 352(14), 1445–1452. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp041841

Murphy, M. F., & Glastonbury, C. M. (2008). Vascular anomalies. The American Journal of Surgery, 196(3), 363–369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2008.05.018

Shah, S., & Oyelese, A. A. (2010). Vascular tumors and malformations. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 53(4), 864–875. https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0b013e3181f8e89e

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