What is Dermatofibrosis?

Dermatofibroma (superficial benign fibrous histiocytoma) is a common cutaneous nodule of unknown etiology that occurs more often in women. Dermatofibroma frequently develops on the extremities (mostly the lower legs) and is usually asymptomatic, although pruritus and tenderness can be present.

What causes dermatofibroma?

Dermatofibromas are caused by an overgrowth of a mixture of different cell types in the dermis layer of the skin. The reasons why this overgrowth occurs aren't known. The growths often develop after some type of small trauma to the skin, including a puncture from a splinter or bug bite.

What does a dermatofibroma look like?

Cellular dermatofibromas look like small round or oval bumps. They're usually less than 1 centimeter (cm) in diameter. They may be flesh-colored, brown or reddish-brown. Usually, dermatofibromas form on your arms or legs.

How do I get rid of dermatofibroma?

Dermatofibroma removal

Removal is typically the simplest and most successful option, but it requires a surgical procedure. People may request this treatment if they have a growth that is unsightly or in an embarrassing place. However, the surgery may leave noticeable scar tissue after the area heals.

Should dermatofibroma be removed?

On rare occasions, larger lesions do occur, but dermatofibromas larger than 1 cm should be evaluated by a doctor. While dermatofibromas are not cancerous, it's a good idea to get any new skin growth checked by your doctor. A dermatofibroma will not go away on its own, but it can be removed by a doctor if you wish.

DERMATOFIBROMA: WHAT IS IT? HOW IS IT TREATED? | DR DRAY

Can dermatofibroma turn cancerous?

Often these start out as red, turning later to brown, and sometimes itch. They probably are a reaction to a minor injury, such a bug bite or a splinter. We do know that they are harmless and never turn cancerous. For this reason, they are best left alone.

Can I squeeze a dermatofibroma?

If you pinch a dermatofibroma, it creates a dimple because it is attached to the underlying subcutaneous tissue. 1 On the other hand, if you pinch a mole, it projects up away from the skin. Moles appear when skin cells grow in clusters.

Do dermatofibromas appear suddenly?

There are specific situations where dermatofibromas can be associated with underlying health issues. Typically, multiple dermatofibroma lesions that arise suddenly are seen in these situations. If you have multiple skin lesions that have come on suddenly, you should discuss this with your physician.

Are dermatofibromas itchy?

Dermatofibromas are usually asymptomatic, but itching and pain often are noted. They are the most common of all painful skin tumors.

Can you freeze off a dermatofibroma?

Benign skin lesions that are suitable for freezing include actinic keratosis, solar lentigo, seborrheic keratosis, viral wart, molluscum contagiosum, and dermatofibroma.

How do I know if I have a dermatofibroma?

Signs and Symptoms

Dermatofibromas are most often found on the arms and legs of women. They are small brown or reddish-brown mobile nodules, and they feel quite firm. They may be tender to touch. Many lesions demonstrate a "dimple sign," where the central portion puckers as the lesion is compressed on the sides.

Do dermatofibromas get bigger?

Dermatofibromas are usually painless, but some people experience tenderness or itching. Most often, a single nodule develops, but some people can develop many dermatofibromas. They rarely grow larger than a half-inch in diameter. The cause of dermatofibromas is unknown.

Is dermatofibroma hereditary?

Dermatofibromas are common among adults, more so in women. Their cause is probably genetic. Lesions are usually 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter, firm, and may dimple inward with gentle pinching. Most lesions are asymptomatic, but some itch or ulcerate after minor trauma.

Can dermatofibroma spread?

Very rarely, a certain skin cancer that initially resembles a dermatofibroma can spread. This skin cancer has a long name called a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).

Why do I have multiple dermatofibromas?

Conditions associated with multiple dermatofibromas include autoimmune diseases, cancer, chromosomal abnormalities, immunodeficiencies, metabolic disturbances, and altered physiologic states such as pregnancy.

Do dermatofibroma have blood vessels?

Blood vessels were observed in 44% of dermatofibromas in the study by Agero et al¹⁰ when polarized contact dermoscopy was used. These authors also found a central pink hue in 10% of cases and a peripheral diffuse pinkish or reddish area in 28% of cases using polarized contact dermoscopy (Table 3).

Where do dermatofibromas occur?

Dermatofibroma is a commonly occurring cutaneous entity usually centered within the skin's dermis. Dermatofibromas are referred to as benign fibrous histiocytomas of the skin, superficial/cutaneous benign fibrous histiocytomas, or common fibrous histiocytoma.

Is dermatofibroma safe?

Dermatofibromas are diagnosed by their appearance to the naked eye. The diagnosis may also be confirmed by removing and examining it under a microscope. Dermatofibromas do not go away by themselves. However, as they are harmless and do not turn into cancer, no treatment is usually needed.

Is Dermatofibrosarcoma curable?

What is the prognosis for persons with DFSP? The general prognosis for DFSP is excellent. In the past, recurrence rates were high, but with the introduction of Mohs surgery, those rates have decreased. Even with recurrent DFSP, Mohs surgery has a 98% cure rate.

How is Dermatofibrosarcoma treated?

Is dermatofibroma benign or malignant?

Dermatofibroma (cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma) represents a common benign mesenchymal tumor, and numerous morphological variants have been described. Some variants of dermatofibroma are characterized by an increased risk of local recurrences, and there are a few reported metastasizing cases.

Can a dermatologist remove a dermatofibroma?

Like the shaving method, the nodule can grow back. Freezing also leaves a white scar. If you have more than one dermatofibroma on your face, a dermatologist may recommend laser surgery. Consequently, you may opt to have the lesion completely excised.

Is dermatofibroma a cyst?

Dermatofibroma is a common benign mesenchymal skin tumor. Sweat duct cyst is an uncommon benign lesion containing squamous and glandular cells.

Can dermatofibroma turn into Dermatofibrosarcoma?

One year later, Hoffman (2) described the tendency of the dermatofibroma tumor to develop into protruding nodules and termed the condition dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).

Why do I feel a ball in my skin?

Cysts are common on the skin and can appear anywhere. They feel like large peas under the surface of the skin. Cysts can develop as a result of infection, clogging of sebaceous glands (oil glands), or around foreign bodies, such as earrings.