Angioma on my 2 year old's face

[phitzdisco]

My son (32 months) has what one doctor told us was either an angioma or a pyogenic granuloma (both of which he said were benign) right below and to the right of his mouth. It began as what we thought was a pimple, but gradually became larger, burst open one night while I was giving him a bath (took about an hour to calm him down enough to get it clotted), and has since gradually gotten larger to the point of being very red and bubble-like. Here is an image of what it currently looks like:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g298/phitzdisco/IMG_0017.jpg


We are currently debating whether or not to have it removed right away, or to wait until he's a little older. Our question is whether or not it is dangerous to leave it for a while (It still seems like it is getting larger), or if it is a good idea just to have it removed so that there is not a risk of a larger scar. Can a growth like this become dangerous at all? Or is it just a gross annoyance? Thanks for the advice.

Also, when we decide to get this removed, is it a better idea to go a children's hospital, or do most dermtologists have experience with children?

[phitzdisco]

I was told that he would have to be sedated to remove it being that he gets very upset when he is in a doctor's office, and is very dificult to calm down. The  sedation is one thing that worries us, but knowing that it is harmless is a help. Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

A pyogenic granuloma is an angioma.  These pop up at all ages out of nowehere and often bleed at the drop of a hat.  I'd remove it now, while your son is still small enough to hold down.  It should take under a minute.  Any dermatologist ought to be able to take care of it.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff