A reactive overgrowth of capillary blood vessels

Aetiology

The cause of pyogenic granulomas are not fully understood, but the following factors are thought to be associated with their development;

• Minor trauma, such as a pin prick
• Infection, commonly Staph. aureus
• Pregnancy
• Some medications, such as oral Retinoids

Clinical features

• Appear as a single, shiny, red nodule of up to 1cm, often described as ‘raspberry-like’
• This nodule will have grown rapidly from a painless, small, discoloured spot
• Most commonly located on the fingers and hands

Investigations

• Usually clinical diagnosis
• Can be confirmed by biopsy and histological investigation - to rule out more sinister causes e.g. amelanotic melanoma

Management

• Surgical excision
• Laser surgery
• Curettage and cautery
• Cryotherapy