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Pyogenic granuloma - close-up
Pyogenic granuloma - close-up
Pyogenic granuloma on the hand
Pyogenic granuloma on the hand

Pyogenic granuloma
Definition:
Small, reddish, elevated highly, vascular (blood vessel) lesions appearing on the skin; often at the site of trauma.

Alternative Names:
Lobular capillary hemangioma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The exact cause of pyogenic granuloma is unknown, but they do appear frequently following injury. They are often on the hands and arms or face and because they bleed easily they can be very annoying. Pyogenic granulomas are common in children.
Symptoms:
  • small red vascular lump on skin which bleeds easily
  • often occurs at site of recent trauma
  • seen most frequently on hands, arms and face
Signs and tests:
Physical examination is usually sufficient for your health care provider to diagnose pyogenic granuloma. A skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:
Small pyogenic granulomas may go away suddenly. Larger lesions are treated with surgery, electrocautery, freezing, or lasers. The recurrence rate is high if the entire lesion is not destroyed.
Expectations (prognosis):

Most pyogenic granulomas can be removed, but scarring may appear after treatment. Recurrences at the same site are not infrequent.
Complications:
  • bleeding from the lesion
  • reappearance of treated lesions
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a skin lesion that bleeds easily or that changes appearance.
Review Date: 8/7/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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