Pyogenic Granuloma is a benign skin growth, red in color, typically smaller than 2 centimeters. This lesion is also known as lobular capillary hemangioma or granuloma telangiectaticum. (1) The lesion sometimes follows a minor injury to the skin. The most common sites for pyogenic granuloma to develop are the head, neck, upper trunk, hands, and feet.(2)
The lesions are most often seen in:
- Children and young adults;
- Pregnant women;
- Women taking oral contraceptives;
- People taking certain oral retinoid medications, including isotretinoin or acitretin (Soriatane®);
- People taking protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan®);
- People on chemotherapy.(3)
While pyogenic granulomas are always benign, sometimes a skin cancer can resemble a pyogenic granuloma. For this reason, a sample is usually obtained for biopsy.(2) Since it is prone to bleeding, it is recommended that the lesion be covered with a bandage before treatment.(3)
The lesions are prone to recur. In pregnant women, pyogenic granulomas are likely to go away after delivery, and thus waiting is often considered the best strategy.(2) Cryosurgery is used to freeze and destroy small pyogenic granulomas.
In a prospective, observational study, 135 patients with pyogenic granuloma were treated with cryotherapy. Patients had between one and four treatments. “Complete resolution of the pyogenic granuloma was achieved in all patients after a mean of 1.58 treatments.” At the conclusion of the follow-up period, 16 patients had a flat imperceptible scar, smaller than the treatment lesion. Seven patients showed hypopigmentation. There were no other complications or side effects noted. The study concluded: “We believe that pyogenic granuloma can be treated simply and effectively with cryotherapy.”(5)
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(1) Delgado, A. Biggers, A. MD (reviewer) healthline, Pyogenic Granuloma, https://www.healthline.com/health/pyogenic-granuloma
(2) American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, Pyogenic Granuloma, https://www.aocd.org/page/PyogenicGranuloma
(3) skinsight, Pyogenic Granuloma, https://www.skinsight.com/skin-conditions/teen/pyogenic-granuloma
(4) Thomas, L. MD, Life Sciences Medical News, Treating Pyogenic Granuloma, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Treating-Pyogenic-Granuloma
(5) Mirshams, M, Daneshpazhooh, M., Mirshekar, A., et. al., Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, Cryotherapy in the Treatment of Pyogenic Granuloma, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/