Spider Angioma | | |
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Definition of Spider AngiomaSpider Angioma is a skin condition and a form of telangiectasis - a lesion produced by telangiectasia (a vascular lesion formed by the dilation of a group of small blood vessels) which may be present as a coarse or fine, red line, or as a punctum (point or small spot) with radiating limbs (spider). This is also called spider nevus.
Description of Spider AngiomaIt is characterized by a central and elevated red dot, about the size of a pinhead, from which small blood vessels radiate (looking like a spider), spider angiomas are often associated with high estrogen levels as occur in pregnancy or when the liver is diseased and unable to detoxify estrogens. Text Continues Below
Symptoms of Spider AngiomaSpider angiomas are painless, and those who have them generally experience no symptoms.
Diagnosis of Spider AngiomaSmall numbers of spider nevi are common in children and pregnant women. However, in large quantities, spider nevi may be a sign of an underlying disorder, such as advanced cirrhosis of the liver. Lesions resembling multiple spider nevi (but without the "spider legs") may be a sign of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a disorder of the blood vessels that causes bleeding and iron-deficiency anemia.
Treatment of Spider AngiomaMost patients with hepatic cirrhosis develop many hepatic spiders that may become quite prominent. Many women develop lesions during pregnancy or while taking oral contraceptives. As spiders are asymptomatic (producing no symptoms) and usually resolve spontaneously in about six to nine months postpartum or after discontinuing oral contraceptives, treatment is generally not required. If resolution is not spontaneous or treatment is required for cosmetic purposes, the central arteriole can be destroyed with fine needle electrodessication (sealing off of blood vessels by monopolar high frequency electric current). Some physicians may suggest treatment with lasers, but this is often more expensive.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Spider AngiomaAre there any tests that can be done to determine the source of this condition?
What treatment will you be recommending?
How effective is this treatment?
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