Angioma

/ænˈdʒioʊmə/ noun

Definition

A benign tumor made of blood vessel tissue, which can appear as a red or purple mark on the skin or grow internally.

Etymology

From Greek 'angeion' (vessel) + '-oma' (tumor). This straightforward medical term has been used since the 19th century to describe vascular proliferations.

Kelly Says

Port-wine stains, strawberry birthmarks, and cherry angiomas are all common types of angiomas—they're benign, but cosmetic treatments like lasers have made them much easier to remove, which is why you probably won't see as many purple birthmarks on older people.

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