Medicine Online
Any medical inquiries? Search MOL for answers:
Home > Medical Articles > Articles beginning with S > Spider Angioma > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Medical Web Links
MOL Site Map
Medical Tips
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Spider Angioma


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

A spider angioma is a collection of tiny dilated blood vessels. The vessels usually radiate out from a central point and resemble the legs of a spider.

What is going on in the body?

A spider angioma is formed when a group of blood vessels dilates in a characteristic "spider leg" pattern. A spider angioma can be seen in a healthy person without any apparent cause, but is more common in individuals with liver disease or altered hormone levels.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

A spider angioma can occur in a healthy person with no apparent cause, and may occasionally be seen on a child's face. However, a spider angioma is more likely to occur in:

  • a pregnant woman
  • a woman taking hormone replacement therapy, specifically estrogen therapy
  • a person with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis

  • HomeSitemap Contact UsAdvertisingPress RoomGive Us Your FeedbackRead Our Terms & Conditions and Our DisclaimerPrivacy Statement