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PATIENT STORY

A 31-year-old woman presented with a new swelling on her lower lip. This was clinically recognized as a venous lake (Figure 210-1). The patient was bothered by its appearance and wanted it removed. She chose to have cryotherapy, which eradicated the venous lake.

FIGURE 210-1

Venous lake on the lip of a young woman. This was eradicated with cryotherapy. (Reproduced with permission from Richard P. Usatine, MD.)

INTRODUCTION

Acquired vascular lesions are common skin findings. The most common one is the cherry angioma.

SYNONYMS

Cherry angiomas have been called senile angiomas, as they have a tendency to develop as adults become older.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Venous lakes are acquired vascular lesions of the face and ears.1

  • Cherry angiomas are common vascular malformations that occur in many adults after the age of 30 years (Figure 210-2). Cherry angiomas sometimes proliferate during pregnancy.1

  • Angiokeratomas, the most common form being angiokeratomas of the scrotum (Fordyce) or vulva, develop during adult years (Figures 210-3 and 210-4).1

  • Glomangiomas, also known as glomuvenous malformations or glomus tumors, are a type of venous malformation (Figure 210-5). Most patients with glomangiomas are of Northern European descent and have a family history of similar lesions.2

  • Cutaneous angiosarcomas are rare malignant vascular tumors most commonly found on the head and neck areas of elderly white men (Figure 210-6).3

FIGURE 210-2

Large cherry angioma treated with shave excision and electrodesiccation of the base. (Reproduced with permission from Richard P. Usatine, MD.)

FIGURE 210-3

Angiokeratosis on the scrotum. Fordyce spots. (Reproduced with permission from Lewis Rose, MD.)

FIGURE 210-4

Angiokeratosis on the vulva. This might be mistaken for a melanoma. (Reproduced with permission from Eric Kraus, MD.)

FIGURE 210-5

Glomangiomas can be multiple or solitary. A. Large glomangiomas of the arm. (Reproduced with permission from Jack Resneck, Sr., MD.) B. Solitary painful glomangioma on the leg of a young man. C. Small solitary painful glomangioma on the arm. These solitary glomangiomas were surgically resected. (Reproduced with permission from Richard P. Usatine, MD.)

FIGURE 210-6

Angiosarcoma on the nose. A lesion like this requires an urgent biopsy. (Reproduced with permission from Amor Khachemoune, MD...

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