Diagnosis: Cherry hemangioma
A benign hemangioma was suspected; however, given its unusually large size and uncharacteristic location, other entities such as amelanotic melanoma and lobular capillary hemangioma (pyogenic granuloma) needed to be ruled out. Pathology following a shave excision (with electrocautery) confirmed that this was a cherry hemangioma.
Cherry hemangiomas, also known as senile hemangiomas or Campbell de Morgan spots, are a nearly ubiquitous benign vascular proliferation that increase in frequency and number with age.1,2 They also have been associated with pregnancy and some chemical exposures.3,4 In general, they are of no clinical consequence. Typically, they are 1- to 5-mm bright pink or bright to dark red papules located on the arms and trunk, a description that has persisted since at least 1947.1 Scalp involvement is considered rare.5
Differential includes malignant entities
The large size of the lesion in addition to its unusual location on the scalp prompted consideration of a malignant entity despite many features of a benign process.
Amelanotic melanomas classically are described as flesh-colored, but up to 70% of amelanotic melanomas may actually be red. Red amelanotic melanomas may account for nearly 4% of all melanomas and frequently are underrecognized.6 Pathology ruled out melanoma for this patient.
Lobular capillary hemangiomas (also known as pyogenic granulomas) typically manifest as rapidly growing, painless, friable papules or nodules in young adults and adolescents. Cutaneous lobular capillary hemangiomas are most often located on the head and neck, nose, face, extremities, and upper trunk. These benign lesions may grow to several centimeters in diameter and are prone to bleeding and ulceration, which this patient notably did not have.7
Continue to: Treatment often isn't required