Blood Vessel Disorders

Home » Blood Vessel Disorders » Pyogenic Granuloma

Overview

A pyogenic granuloma is a rapidly developing vascular (blood vessel) growth that usually occurs in children and occasionally in adults, particularly pregnant women. It frequently appears on the head and neck but also appears elsewhere on the body.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown. Pyogenic granuloma often develops at the site of a recent minor injury, such as a puncture wound from a pin, but there is no conclusive evidence that injury results in its development.

Signs and Symptoms

It first appears as a small pinhead-sized, red, brown, or blue-black papule and develops rapidly to a size that is anywhere from 2mm to 20 mm in diameter. A pyogenic granuloma bleeds easily and may ulcerate.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma is based on its appearance.

Treatment

Treatment usually involves destruction of the lesion with a laser, electrocautery, or liquid nitrogen. Recurrence after treatment is common because of its conelike extension of blood vessels into the skin. When this happens, it is simply treated again. Occasionally, a pyogenic granuloma is surgically removed (excised).

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