Angioma Removal in South Africa

• Hemangiomas
• Lymphangiomas
• Glomus tumor
• Vascular ectasias
• Reactive vascular proliferations

• Birthmarks
• Strawberry or bright red marks
• Stork bites
• Portwine stains

Angioma removal is usually unnecessary since the growths are benign and do not cause problems. They are mostly small and only one growth may be present. However, sometimes several growths occur. If your angioma changes in appearance in any way you should see your dermatologist. This is really important to rule out serious conditions such as liver cirrhosis or skin cancer. Your doctor may perform a biopsy to diagnose any serious conditions or rule them out. Angioma removal is usually recommended if:

• It negatively affects your appearance
• It causes emotional distress
• It bleeds often

Most angiomas do not require removal. However, if the angioma is an area that is often rubbed or bumped it may often bleed and can be removed. Angiomas can also be removed for cosmetic reasons. If you decide to have your angiomas removed, you should discuss the available methods with your doctor. The method chosen should fit your individual condition and medical needs. Treatment procedures include:

• Electrocauterization: This is a surgical procedure that involves using an electric current to burn the angioma. The electric current is delivered by a tiny probe. During this procedure, a grounding pad is placed on a part of your body to protect the rest of your body from electricity. The procedure may cause some pain and you may be given a local anesthetic. Scarring is minimal.
• Cryosurgery: This procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the angioma. The extreme cold destroys the angioma. Cryosurgery is a relatively quick and easy procedure and only one treatment session is required for angioma removal. The liquid nitrogen is sprayed on the angioma for about 10 seconds. The resulting wound does not require much care afterward.
• Laser Surgery: This is a surgical procedure that uses a pulsed dye laser (PDL) to remove the angioma. A pulsed dye laser is a concentrated yellow laser which gives off heat to destroy the angioma. The procedure is done in an outpatient center which means you do not need to have an overnight stay at the hospital. You may require multiple treatment sessions depending on how many angiomas are present. Slight bruising occurs and can last up to 10 days.
• Shave Excision: This procedure slicing the angioma in thin layers until it is complete removed. Sutures or stitches are not required after shave excision because the surgery is not invasive.