Cherry hemangioma – disease or just a simple finding? <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Aims: To provide an article review on cherry hemangioma (CH) and to verify its clinical association. Source of data: Review of national and international literature, searching for references on textbooks and articles on MEDLINE, Scielo and LILACS databases. Summary of findings: CH has a high prevalence among adults, representing the most common skin disorder in the elderly. It presents as bright red or dark red spheric papules, not compressible, ranging 1-5 millimeters in diameter, asymptomatic, and with wide distribution in the body, mainly in the trunk. Histopathology shows vascular proliferation in the dermis, under normal epidermis. The etiology is not completely known. is usually a benign lesion, but its finding may suggest association with other systemic diseases. Conclusions: Cherry hemangioma is a frequent dermatosis in adults, and a common complaint in dermatologist’s outpatient clinics. It is usually imperceptible and in difficult access sites, like the dorsal trunk and scalp. Follow-up of these lesions is recommended. In case of enlargement or increase in number and distribution, a dermatologist may be seen for clinical assessment. KEY WORDS: HEMANGIOMA; SKIN DISEASE; NEOPLASMS, VASCULAR TISSUE.