Pyogenic granuloma

What is a pyogenic granuloma?

A pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign (harmless) collection of blood vessels in the skin. It is common in children and young adults.

How does a pyogenic granuloma affect the body?

A pyogenic granuloma first appears as a flat red bump. It then grows quickly into a large protruding (bulging) bump that can bleed easily. This growth is limited to the skin and never has the potential to become cancerous.

What causes pyogenic granuloma?

The cause of PG is unclear, but it can sometimes occur after minor skin trauma such as a scratch or insect bite.

How is a pyogenic granuloma diagnosed?

Your child’s doctor can diagnose a pyogenic granuloma simply by examining the skin. If the pyogenic granuloma is removed during a skin biopsy, it will be examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

How are pyogenic granulomas treated?

Pyogenic granulomas are unlikely to disappear on their own. A number of treatments are possible, including:

• topical treatments
• laser therapy
• surgery

Topical treatments

A topical treatment is one that is applied to the skin. For pyogenic granuloma, a special gel may be recommended as a first option to treat PG if:

• it occurs close to the eye
• it occurs on the face and is difficult to remove
• it occurs in a young child
• there is a risk of leaving an obvious scar if it is removed.

Laser therapy

This treatment involves focusing a laser on the affected area to shrink the pyogenic granuloma. Usually a number of laser treatments are needed.

Surgery

Surgery is the most effective treatment for PG and can be done quickly and painlessly under a local anaesthetic.

The skin around your child’s PG will first be numbed with a cream or a small needle. A shave excision will then be used to quickly remove the bump. Any bleeding will be stopped with electrocautery, which uses electricity to seal blood vessels in the area.

Your child will not need stitches after surgery. The area will, however, take a couple of weeks to heal completely and leave a small scar.

What are the complications of pyogenic granuloma?

The most common complication is bleeding. A pyogenic granuloma can bleed quite freely once it is knocked and the bleeding is often hard to stop.

When to see a doctor for pyogenic granuloma

See your child’s doctor if you cannot control the bleeding from a pyogenic granuloma or if a growth returns after surgery.