ABSTRACT
Benign vascular lesions represent reactive processes, developmental abnormalities, and benign neoplasms. 1 Although some congenital vascular malformations can cause functional disturbances, most vascular lesions are only cosmetically challenging. Occasionally, vascular lesions, especially those that are deep or thrombosed, may be confused with melanoma and unnecessarily biopsied. 2 More importantly, however, Spitz nevi, Spitzoid melanomas, and amelanotic nodular melanomas may be clinically misdiagnosed as benign vascular lesions, leading to delay in diagnosis or improper biopsy technique. 3,4
Cherry hemangioma, also called senile hemangioma or Campbell de Morgan spot, is the most common acquired cutaneous vascular neoplasm. 1 Cherry hemangiomas are typically bright red to violaceous, domeshaped papules, but range from pinpoint macules to large polypoid papules ( Figure 5.57 ). They are most common in adults and tend to increase in number with increasing age. Cherry hemangiomas most frequently develop on the trunk and arms, but can occur anywhere. 5,6 Dermoscopic examination of cherry hemangiomas reveals red, red-blue, blue, blue-black, or maroon colored lacunae, which represent the dilated, blood-filled capillaries that form the tumor ( Figure 5.58 ).7
