Spider angioma

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Spider Angioma

Spider angioma (pronunciation: /ˈspaɪdər ænʤiˈoʊmə/), also known as spider nevus or vascular spider, is a type of telangiectasia (pronunciation: /tɛˌlænʤiˈækˌtiːziə/) characterized by a central red spot surrounded by radiating blood vessels. The name "spider angioma" is derived from the Greek words "angeion" (meaning vessel) and "-oma" (meaning tumor), reflecting the appearance of the lesion.

Causes and Symptoms

Spider angiomas are often associated with liver disease, pregnancy, or excessive estrogen levels. They can also occur in healthy individuals. The central red spot of a spider angioma blanches (turns white) when pressure is applied, and blood flow can sometimes be seen when a stethoscope is applied.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of spider angioma is typically made through clinical examination. In some cases, a dermatoscope may be used to visualize the lesion more clearly. Treatment is usually not necessary unless the angioma is causing cosmetic concern or bleeding. In such cases, treatment options include laser therapy, electrocautery, or sclerotherapy.

Related Terms

  • Telangiectasia: A condition characterized by dilation of the capillaries, which causes them to appear as small red or purple clusters, often spidery in appearance, on the skin or the surface of an organ.
  • Liver disease: A type of medical condition that affects the liver.
  • Estrogen: A group of hormones that play an important role in the normal sexual and reproductive development in women.
  • Dermatoscope: A medical instrument used to examine the skin.
  • Laser therapy: A medical treatment that uses focused light.
  • Electrocautery: A way to remove a growth or to seal blood vessels.
  • Sclerotherapy: A procedure used to treat blood vessels or blood vessel malformations.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski