$Unique_ID{BRK00684}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{What is a Telangiectasia?}
$Subject{dilated vessels blood spots}
$Volume{G-4}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is a Telangiectasia?


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QUESTION:  During an examination I pointed out some skin spots to my
physician.  His diagnosis was almost instantaneous but hard to understand.  I
had him write down the name of the condition so I could ask you about it.  Can
you tell me what a telangiectasia is?  Is it a type of cancer and can it be
treated?

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ANSWER:  Amongst other things, telangiectasia is a mouth-filling word which is
derived from two Greek words meaning "dilated vessels."  They are common on
the nose, cheeks and face of individuals who are chronically exposed to wind
and sun and take the form of fine, bright red lines.  When they are grouped
together, they are sometimes called "vascular spiders" as they resemble the
outstretched legs of an insect.
     In and of themselves, they are harmless, but can be associated with
certain types of cancer like gastric carcinoma, leukemia, and cancer of the
lymph glands.  I doubt that you need worry about these diseases, as your
physician has probably checked you and found no positive findings.  The spots
themselves are not cancerous, nor do they ever change into cancer.
     In general, treatment of the skin lesion is not necessary, although they
won't go away by themselves.  If you consider them unsightly and wish them
removed for cosmetic reasons, the physician can use an electric needle in a
process called "electrodesiccation" which closes the capillaries, preventing
the flow of blood through them, and making the lesion "disappear".
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
