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Definition:
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Pyogenic granulomas are small, raised, red bumps on the skin. The bumps have a smooth surface and may be moist. They bleed easily because of the high number of blood vessels at the site.
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Alternative Names:
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Lobular capillary hemangioma
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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The exact cause of pyogenic granulomas is unknown. They often appear following an injury on the hands, arms, or face.
Pyogenic granulomas are common in children.
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Symptoms:
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- Small red vascular lump that bleeds easily
- Often found at site of recent injury
- Usually seen on hands, arms, and face, but may develop in the mouth (most often in pregnant women)
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Signs and tests:
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Your health care provider will do a physical exam to diagnose this condition. You may also need a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
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Treatment:
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Small pyogenic granulomas may go away suddenly. Larger bumps are treated with surgery, electrocautery, freezing, or lasers.
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Expectations (prognosis):
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Most pyogenic granulomas can be removed. A scar may remain after treatment. There is a high chance that the problem will come back if the whole granuloma is not destroyed during treatment.
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Complications:
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- Bleeding from the granuloma
- Return of the condition after treatment
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Calling your health care provider:
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Call your health care provider if you have a skin bump that bleeds easily or that changes appearance.
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References:
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Habif TP. Vascular tumors and malformations. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 23.
North PE, Kincannon J. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, et al, eds.Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2012:chap 114.
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