(See also Overview of Skin Growths Overview of Skin Growths Cells of the skin and underlying tissue may accumulate and cause growths. Growths may be raised or flat and range in color from dark brown or black to skin-colored to red. They may be present... read more and Overview of Growths and Malformations of the Vessels Overview of Growths and Malformations of the Vessels Growths and malformations of the vessels (angiomas) are collections of abnormally dense blood or lymph vessels, usually located in and below the skin, that cause red or purple discolorations... read more .)
The bump develops rapidly, usually after injury to the skin (the injury is sometimes not noticed). For unknown reasons, pyogenic granulomas may also develop during pregnancy, appearing even on the gums (pregnancy tumors).
Pyogenic granulomas are typically ¼ to ¾ inches (about 0.5 to 2 centimeters) in diameter and rise from the surface of the skin. They do not hurt but they tend to bleed easily when bumped or scratched because they consist almost entirely of capillaries.
To diagnose pyogenic granulomas, a doctor removes a sample of the tissue and sends it to a laboratory for examination (biopsy Biopsy Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. A full skin examination includes examination of the scalp, nails, and mucous membranes. Sometimes the doctor uses a hand-held... read more 
) to ensure that the growth is not a type of skin cancer.
Pyogenic granulomas sometimes disappear by themselves. If they persist, a doctor usually removes them surgically or with an electric needle (electrodesiccation). Sometimes pyogenic granulomas grow back after treatment.
