Skin, Pyogenic granuloma, H&E stain

Pyogenic granuloma is also known as lobular capillary hemangioma, and is a benign vascular lesion characterized by vague lobules of capillary channels arranged around larger "feeder" vessels. These are common skin and mucosal lesions, often presenting in children and young adults, as a solitary, glistening red papule or nodule, with “hamburger meat” appearance. Bleeding and ulceration are common.

In pediatric cases, the differential diagnosis would include infantile (juvenile) hemangioma. Histologically the distinction can be difficult in certain cases, but immunostain for GLUT1 can be helpful. This case was GLUT1-negative, in line with the diagnosis of lobular capillary hemangioma (“pyogenic granuloma”). The staining pattern in the lesion is in stark contrast with the positive control (placenta) on the slide.

This slide shows H&E stain. See related content for GLUT-1 stain.