The lesion, composed of vascular tissue, is neither of bacterial origin nor a true granuloma. It develops rapidly, often at the site of recent injury (although injury may not be recalled by the patient), typically grows no larger than 2 cm in diameter, and probably represents a vascular and fibrous response to injury. The incidence of pyogenic granuloma varies by age, sex, and anatomic location; granulomas on the head, neck and trunk appear to be most common in males aged < 20 years and females aged between 20 and 50 (1).
The overlying epidermis is thin, and the lesion tends to be friable, bleeds easily, and does not blanch on pressure. The base may be pedunculated and surrounded by a collarette of epidermis.
During pregnancy, pyogenic granulomas may form on the gingiva and become large and exuberant (called gingival pregnancy tumors or telangiectatic epulis).
A pyogenic granuloma manifests as a scarlet nodule composed of proliferating capillaries in an edematous stroma. The lesion tends to be friable and bleeds easily. It probably represents a vascular and fibrous response to injury.
Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD.
This photo shows an erythematous rounded lesion consistent with pyogenic granuloma.
DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
This image shows recurrent, fleshy, scarlet, vascular nodules of pyogenic granulomas.
Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD.
Pyogenic granuloma is a benign growth.
DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
A pyogenic granuloma manifests as a scarlet nodule composed of proliferating capillaries in an edematous stroma. The lesion tends to be friable and bleeds easily. It probably represents a vascular and fibrous response to injury.
Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD.
This photo shows an erythematous rounded lesion consistent with pyogenic granuloma.
DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
This image shows recurrent, fleshy, scarlet, vascular nodules of pyogenic granulomas.
Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD.
Pyogenic granuloma is a benign growth.
DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Reference
1. Dube U, Corliss M, Bowling KM, et al. Age, Sex, and Anatomical Location Patterns in Cutaneous Pyogenic Granuloma Cases. JAMA Dermatol. 2025;161(3):305-309. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.5447
Diagnosis of Pyogenic Granulomas
Biopsy
The Diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma is by biopsy and histologic examination. Histologic analysis is required for all tissue removed because these lesions occasionally resemble and must be differentiated from melanomas or other malignant tumors.
Treatment of Pyogenic Granulomas
Excision or curettage and electrodesiccation
Treatment of pyogenic granulomas consists of removal by excision or curettage and electrodesiccation; lesions may recur.
