Pyogenic granuloma
Lobular capillary hemangiomaPyogenic granulomas are small, raised, and red bumps on the skin. The bumps have a smooth surface and may be moist. They bleed easily because of the high number of blood vessels at the site. It is a benign (noncancerous) growth.
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Causes
The exact cause of pyogenic granulomas is unknown. They often appear following an injury on the hands, arms, or face.
Pyogenic granulomas are common in children and pregnant women.
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Symptoms
Signs of a pyogenic granuloma are:
- A small red lump on the skin that bleeds easily
- Often found at the site of a recent injury
- Usually seen on hands, arms, and face, but they may develop in the mouth (most often in pregnant women)
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Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will do a physical exam to diagnose this condition.
You may also need a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out skin cancer.
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Treatment
Small pyogenic granulomas may go away without treatment. If needed, bumps are treated with:
- Surgical shaving or excision
- Electrocautery (heat)
- Freezing
- A laser
- Creams applied to the skin (may not be as effective as surgery)
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Most pyogenic granulomas can be removed. A scar may remain after treatment. There is a high chance that the problem will come back if the whole lesion is not removed or destroyed during treatment.
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Possible Complications
These problems may occur:
- Bleeding from the lesion
- Return of the condition after treatment
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have a skin bump that bleeds easily or that changes appearance.
References
Dinulos JGH. Vascular tumors and malformations. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 23.
Patterson JW. Vascular tumors. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2021:chap 39.