Definition

1. Noun:
   • A benign tumor composed of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels: An "angioma" is a type of non-cancerous growth formed from a cluster of blood vessels (hemangioma) or lymphatic vessels (lymphangioma).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The dermatologist identified the small red spot on the infant's skin as a harmless angioma.
  • Surgical removal is sometimes considered for an angioma that causes discomfort or bleeds easily.

Advanced Usage

• "Cherry angioma": A common, small, bright red skin growth composed of dilated capillaries.
  • Cherry angiomas are frequently seen in adults and are considered a normal sign of aging skin.
• "Spider angioma": A lesion with a central red spot and reddish extensions resembling a spider's web, often associated with liver disease.
  • The presence of spider angiomas can be a clinical sign prompting further liver function tests.

Variants and Related Words

• Hemangioma (n): A specific type of angioma made up of blood vessels.
  • Infantile hemangiomas often grow during the first year of life and then gradually fade.
• Lymphangioma (n): A specific type of angioma composed of lymphatic vessels.
  • A lymphangioma is typically present at birth and may require treatment if it affects organ function.

Synonyms

• Vascular tumor: A general term for a growth arising from blood or lymph vessels.
• Vascular nevus: A birthmark or mole of vascular origin.

Related Terms (Medical Context)

• Malformation: While an "angioma" is a benign tumor, the term "vascular malformation" refers to an error in vascular development that is present at birth.
  • It is important to differentiate between an infantile hemangioma and a vascular malformation.

Noun

1. a tumor consisting of a mass of blood or lymphatic vessels