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Dermatofibroma

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Dermatofibroma

(Histiocytoma; Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma)

Definition

A dermatofibroma is an overgrowth of the tissue in the skin. It is a small, firm bump on the skin. It is harmless and will not turn into skin cancer.

Layers of the Skin.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Causes

The cause of these growths is not known. Sometimes they happen after a minor injury to the skin, such as an insect bite or a prick from a thorn.

Risk Factors

These growths are more common in adults 20 to 40 years old. They happen most often in women.

Symptoms

Dermatofibromas are most common on the lower legs. But they can also appear on the upper arms. They may be:

  • Brown, purple, yellow, red, or pink in color, sometimes with a darker rim
  • Smaller than 1 centimeter
  • Firm
  • Raised from the skin

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the growth. This may be enough to make the diagnosis.

A growth that cannot be diagnosed may be surgically removed. It will be examined in a lab.

Treatment

These growths do not go away with time. They do not need to be treated unless they cause discomfort or a person does not like how they look.

Surgery may be done to remove the growth. This often leaves a scar.

Liquid nitrogen can also be used to freeze the growth and flatten it. This often leaves a white mark. The growth may also come back.

Prevention

There are no methods to prevent these growths. The cause is not known.

RESOURCES:

  • American Academy of Dermatology

    http://www.aad.org

  • British Association of Dermatologists

    http://www.bad.org.uk

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

  • Canadian Dermatology Association

    http://www.dermatology.ca

  • Health Canada

    https://www.canada.ca

  • American Academy of Dermatology

    http://www.aad.org

  • British Association of Dermatologists

    http://www.bad.org.uk

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

  • Canadian Dermatology Association

    http://www.dermatology.ca

  • Health Canada

    https://www.canada.ca

References

  • Common benign skin lesions. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/common-benign-skin-lesions.
  • Dermatofibroma. British Association of Dermatologists website. Available at: https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/dermatofibroma-also-known-as-histiocytoma.
  • Dermatofibroma. New Zealand Dermatological Society website. Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dermatofibroma.
  • Moreno-Ramírez D, Ruiz-Villaverde R, et al. Process of care for patients with benign cysts and tumors: Consensus document of the Andalusian Regional Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2016;107(5):391-399.

Contributors

  • April Scott, NP
Last Updated:
2023-03-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.