Tufted angioma

Tufted angioma (also known as "Angioblastoma", "Nakagawa", or "Progressive capillary hemangioma") is a rare benign vascular tumor that usually appears during infancy or early childhood. It is characterized by slow growth and localized purple or red patches on the skin. The condition is named after the tuft-like clusters of blood vessels that are seen under the microscope.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptom of tufted angioma is the appearance of a red or purple patch on the skin, usually on the neck, shoulders, or upper trunk. The patch may be flat or slightly raised, and it typically grows slowly over a period of months or years. Some patients may experience pain or tenderness in the affected area. In rare cases, tufted angioma can be associated with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, a serious condition characterized by low platelet count and coagulopathy.

Causes

The exact cause of tufted angioma is unknown. It is not believed to be hereditary or caused by environmental factors. Some researchers suggest that it may result from a localized abnormality in the development of blood vessels.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tufted angioma is usually based on the characteristic appearance of the skin lesion. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Under the microscope, the lesion shows characteristic clusters of small blood vessels, which give the condition its name.

Treatment

Treatment for tufted angioma is not always necessary, as the condition is benign and the lesions often stop growing after a period of time. However, treatment may be recommended if the lesion is causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Options for treatment include laser therapy, surgical removal, or medication to shrink the blood vessels.

See Also

• Hemangioma
• Vascular tumor
• Kasabach-Merritt syndrome

References

Tufted angioma Resources
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