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Spider Angioma (Nevus Araneus)

Ronald G. Chambers, Jr., FAAFP, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Benign dilated arteriole with a characteristic spider-like appearance where the arteriole is close to the surface of the skin at a central point (spider body) and has radiating capil...

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on history and physical exam. 

HISTORY

  • Patient may bring to attention of physician given concerns over medical implications or cosmetic appearance.

  • Painless

  • O...

TREATMENT

Treatment is largely for cosmesis; however, medical justification may arise if angiomas bleed frequently or cause physical irritation. 

GENERAL MEASURES

Treat underlying condition as appropria...

ONGOING CARE

COMPLICATIONS

  • Monitor for resolution in children, following pregnancy, after discontinuation of hormonal contraception, or treatment of liver disease (e.g., transplant).

  • Evaluate increasing...

REFERENCES

1
Udell  JA, Wang  CS, Tinmouth  J, et al. Does this patient with liver disease have cirrhosis? JAMA.  2012; 307(8): ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Becher  GL, Cameron  H, Moseley  H. Treatment of superficial vascular lesions with the KTP 532-nm laser: experience with 647 patients. Lasers Med Sci. ...

CODES

ICD10

I78.1 Nevus, non-neoplastic 

SNOMED

195382003 Spider nevus (disorder) 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Spider angiomas are diagnosed primarily on “spider-like” clinical appearance with prominent central arteriole and network of surrounding capillaries.

  • Tend to be permanent in adults, may...

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