Angioma vs Haemangioma: What’s the Difference?

Red or purple marks on the skin are common and often harmless, but many people are unsure whether they have an angioma or a haemangioma — and whether treatment is necessary. Although the terms sound similar, they refer to different types of vascular skin lesions with different causes, age of onset and management options.

This guide explains the key differences, causes, prognosis and treatment options.

What Is an Angioma?

Large red angioma

An angioma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of small blood vessels. The most common type seen in adults is a cherry angioma.

Common features of angiomas

• Bright red, purple or dark cherry colour
• Round or oval in shape
• Flat or slightly raised
• Usually 1–5 mm in size
• Most commonly appear on the torso, arms, legs or face

Angiomas are extremely common and become more prevalent with age.

Who gets angiomas?

• Typically appear in adults over 30
• Increase in number with age
• Affect both men and women equally

What Is a Haemangioma?

A haemangioma is also a benign growth of blood vessels, but it usually develops in infancy or early childhood. The most well-known type is an infantile haemangioma, sometimes referred to as a “strawberry mark”.

Common features of haemangiomas

• Red, purple or bluish appearance
• May be flat or raised
• Often larger than angiomas
• Can grow rapidly in early life

Haemangiomas are most commonly seen on the face, scalp, chest or back.

Causes: Why Do They Occur?

Angioma

Causes of Angiomas

• Natural ageing process
• Genetic predisposition
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy
• Possible link with sun exposure

There is no clear way to prevent angiomas from forming.

Causes of Haemangiomas

• Developmental abnormality of blood vessels before or shortly after birth
• Not caused by injury, infection or parenting factors
• Not inherited in most cases

Prognosis: Are They Dangerous?

Angiomas

• Almost always harmless
• Do not become cancerous
• May bleed if knocked or scratched
• Often remain stable but may increase in number with age

Haemangiomas

• Most are harmless
• Many shrink and fade naturally over time
• Some may cause issues depending on size and location (e.g. near eyes, airway or mouth)

Any lesion that changes rapidly, bleeds repeatedly, darkens or becomes painful should be assessed.

Treatment Options

Angioma Treatment

Angiomas do not require treatment unless they bleed frequently or are cosmetically bothersome.

Effective options include:

• Laser treatment – targets the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and fade
• Electrocautery – controlled heat removes the lesion
• Minor surgical removal – rarely required

Treatment is usually quick with minimal downtime.

Haemangioma Treatment

Treatment depends on:

• Size
• Location
• Symptoms
• Age of the patient

Options may include:

• Monitoring only (most common)
• Laser therapy
• Medical treatment (e.g. beta-blockers in infants)
• Specialist referral for complex cases

Many haemangiomas resolve without intervention.

When Should You Seek Advice?

You should consider assessment if:

• You’re unsure whether a lesion is an angioma or haemangioma
• The lesion is growing, bleeding or changing
• It causes discomfort or cosmetic concern
• It is located in a sensitive or visible area

A professional assessment ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Summary

• Angiomas are common, benign vascular lesions that usually appear in adulthood and do not go away on their own.
• Haemangiomas usually develop in infancy and often regress naturally.
• Both are generally harmless, but treatment is available when needed for medical or cosmetic reasons.

Key Differences Between Angiomas and Haemangiomas

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