3. Campbell de Morgan Spot

Campbell de Morgan Spot

This PatientPlus article is written for healthcare professionals so the language may be more technical than the condition leaflets. You may find the abbreviations list helpful.

Synonyms: cherry haemangiomas, senile angiomas

These 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).

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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.
  • These are the most common cutaneous vascular proliferation. Few reports have been published recently but there is evidence showing 75% of those over 75 years old may have them.[2]
  • They increase in frequency and size with age.
  • The most common age of onset is in the third and fourth decades of life.
  • They are seen across all races and sexes.
  • 1-3 mm diameter macules which may become larger papules over time.
  • Typical bright cherry red colour but can appear violaceous.
  • They are non-blanching.
CHERRY ANGIOMA
  • They usually occur on the trunk and extremities.
  • They can be found at any skin site except the mucous membranes. The scalp has been reported.[2]
  • Lesions may be widespread, especially in the elderly.
  • They are usually asymptomatic.
  • Reassure - these lesions usually require no treatment.
  • If removal is desired, treatment options include pulsed dye laser, electrocautery and excision.
  • When there is diagnostic uncertainty.
  • When assistance with removal is required.
  • Cryotherapy and carbon dioxide laser therapy are both options.[2]
  • 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.
  • There is a rare paraneoplastic association of the sudden onset of multiple new lesions with internal malignancy.
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Further reading & references

  1. Luba MC, Bangs SA, Mohler AM, et al; Common benign skin tumors. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Feb 15;67(4):729-38.
  2. Kim JH, Park HY, Ahn SK; Cherry Angiomas on the Scalp. Case Rep Dermatol. 2009 Nov 11;1(1):82-86.
  3. Brown CW, Cherry Hemangioma, Medscape, Jun 2010
Original Author: Dr Chloe Borton Current Version: Peer Reviewer: Dr Hannah Gronow
Last Checked: 19/01/2012 Document ID: 4045  Version: 22 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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