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Campbell de Morgan spot

Medical Professionals

Professional Reference articles are designed for health professionals to use. They are written by UK doctors and based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. You may find one of our health articles more useful.

Synonyms: cherry haemangiomas, senile angiomas

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What are Campbell de Morgan spots?

Campbell de Morgan spots, also known as cherry angiomas, are common, benign skin lesions of middle to older age, formed by proliferating, dilated capillaries and postcapillary venules. They are named after an English surgeon, Campbell de Morgan (1811-76).

Aetiology1 2

Their cause remains unknown:

  • Chemical exposure (mustard gas, 2-butoxyethanol) causes multiple lesions to develop.

  • Pregnancy and prolactinomas are associated with the development of lesions, implicating hormonal mediators.

  • Numbers increase with age, so factors associated with the ageing process may be relevant.

  • Single studies have reported increased incidence in tropical climates, diabetes, transplant patients and those who are immunocompromised.

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Epidemiology1 2

  • These are the most common cutaneous vascular proliferation. Few reports have been published recently but it is thought as many as 75% of those over 75 years old may have them.

  • They increase in frequency and size with age.

  • They increase in frequency from the age of 40.

  • They may occur anywhere but are most commonly found on the trunk.

  • They are seen across all races and sexes.

Visual appearance

Cherry angioma on adult's arm

Cherry angioma

By Midasblenny, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

  • 1-3 mm diameter macules which may become larger papules over time.

  • Typical bright cherry red colour but can appear blue or purple.

  • They are non-blanching.

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Presentation

  • They usually occur on the trunk and upper extremities.

  • They can be found at any skin site except the mucous membranes. The scalp has been reported1 .

  • Lesions may be widespread, especially in the elderly.

  • They are usually asymptomatic.

Differential diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually clear clinically. Differential diagnosis may include:

Campbell de Morgan spots treatment and management

  • Reassure - these lesions usually require no treatment.

  • Very occasionally removal may be required if the lesions catch, or for cosmetic reasons.

  • If removal is desired, treatment options include curettage, pulsed dye laser, electrocautery and excision.

  • Sclerotherapy has also been found to be effective3 .

When to refer

  • When there is diagnostic uncertainty.

  • When assistance with removal is required.

Prognosis

  • Campbell de Morgan spots are benign lesions.

  • Problems only arise when lesions are frequently traumatised, continue to enlarge or are of cosmetic concern to a patient.

Further reading and references

  1. Kim JH, Park HY, Ahn SK; Cherry Angiomas on the Scalp. Case Rep Dermatol. 2009 Nov 11;1(1):82-86.
  2. Angiomas; DermNet NZ
  3. Jairath V, Dayal S, Jain VK, et al; Is sclerotherapy useful for cherry angiomas? Dermatol Surg. 2014 Sep;40(9):1022-7. doi: 10.1097/01.DSS.0000452631.83962.58.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

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