What is it?

Pyogenic granulomas are common, acquired benign vascular lesions. They can develop at any age but are common in children and young adults. The exact cause is unknown but they are commonly associated with trauma.

What does it look like?

Pyogenic granuloma presents as a rapidly growing bright red, or sometime red-brown, slightly pedunculated papule. They have a friable appearing surface and are prone to superficial ulceration and bleeding. Pyogenic granuloma can present on the skin or mucus membranes but are especially common in areas of trauma and on the face.

How is it treated?

Some pyogenic granulomas may decrease in size spontaneously but they generally persist. Given their propensity to bleed and ulcerate, they are usually treated. A shave excision or curettage followed by electrocautery is usually sufficient. Non-surgical options in younger children include pulsed dye laser for smaller lesion, topical timolol or topical imiquimod. Pyogenic granuloma can recur even after excision. Any tissue removed by shave or curettage should be submitted to pathology to confirm the diagnosis, because worrisome lesions such as melanoma can mimic a pyogenic granuloma.