Which statement best describes spider telangiectasia?

Which statement best describes spider telangiectasia?

• A. It is a non-neoplastic radial pulsating array of dilated arterioles.
• B. It represents a true vascular tumor.
• C. It commonly occurs with port-wine stains.
• D. It is caused by neoplastic proliferation of capillaries.

Answer: (A)

Spider telangiectasia is a vascular dilation pattern, not a neoplasm. It consists of a central feeding arteriole with radiating, dilated small vessels in the surrounding dermis, producing a tiny starburst or spider-like lesion. Because it involves dilation of preexisting vessels rather than new vessel growth, it is non-neoplastic. The pulsatile central arteriole reflects arterial flow, not tumor activity. Clinically, these lesions are seen with increased estrogen states (such as pregnancy or liver disease) and are not characteristically tied to port-wine stains, which are congenital capillary malformations. So the best description is a non-neoplastic radial pulsating array of dilated arterioles.

Spider telangiectasia is a vascular dilation pattern, not a neoplasm. It consists of a central feeding arteriole with radiating, dilated small vessels in the surrounding dermis, producing a tiny starburst or spider-like lesion. Because it involves dilation of preexisting vessels rather than new vessel growth, it is non-neoplastic. The pulsatile central arteriole reflects arterial flow, not tumor activity. Clinically, these lesions are seen with increased estrogen states (such as pregnancy or liver disease) and are not characteristically tied to port-wine stains, which are congenital capillary malformations. So the best description is a non-neoplastic radial pulsating array of dilated arterioles.