In the wide world of cutaneous lesions, the dermatofibroma stands out as a benign skin lesion, which nevertheless can frighten many patients. Although it is not dangerous, its presence and rapid onset can generate doubts and concerns, even if it is thought to be a malignant lesion. This article is designed to clear all your doubts about dermatofibromas, explaining in detail what they are, why they appear and when it is necessary to seek treatment.
What will I talk about in this article?
What is a dermatofibroma?
Dermatofibroma, also known as fibrous histiocytoma, is a benign soft and fibrous tissue tumor that develops in the skin. They usually present as small, firm, small papules, generally less than 1 cm in diameter. These nodules are more common on the extremities, but can appear anywhere on the body.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of dermatofibroma remains unknown. However, an association with previous skin trauma, such as insect bites, minor wounds or superficial punctures, has been observed. Often, patients report having suffered some type of lesion in the area where the dermatofibroma appears.
Who gets dermatofibromas?
Dermatofibroma can affect people of all ages, but it can also affect people with is more common in individuals between 20 and 50 years of age, and has a higher prevalence in women. Studies have shown that these tumors constitute approximately 3% of all dermatopathology specimens sent to laboratories.
Why do dermatofibromas appear?
The exact cause of dermatofibroma is not known with certainty. However, it is believed to be a reactive response to minor skin trauma, such as insect bites, scratches or superficial punctures.. Although, in many cases, these lesions appear without any apparent triggering event. It is likely that both inflammatory and neoplastic reactive factors play a role in their development.
Symptoms of dermatofibromas
Most dermatofibromas are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally. However, some may cause pain, tenderness or itching. They usually present as firm nodules that are brown, red or yellow to the touch, and may retract when compressed laterally, a phenomenon known as the "dimple sign".
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dermatofibroma is generally is performed by clinical examination, patient history and using dermoscopy. In doubtful cases, a biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Below is a typical dermatoscopic image of a dermatofibroma.
Treatment
- Surgical excisionComplete removal of the nodule may be necessary if there is suspicion of malignancy or if the patient desires it for cosmetic reasons. It is the treatment of choice in most cases.
- CryotherapyCryotherapy has been described in some cases for the treatment of dermatofibromas, although in my opinion it is not very useful and does not have good results.
Can dermatofibromas be prevented?
Although dermatofibromas cannot be prevented, it is important to educate patients about the benignity of these tumors and that in most cases they will not require further treatment. We always advise patients to watch for any changes in their skin lesions and that consult a dermatologist if you notice anything unusual, as it could be a malignant lesion..
Conclusion
Dermatofibroma is a common benign lesion that can appear anywhere on the body, especially on the extremities. Although generally harmless, it can cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns in some cases. Diagnosis is usually clinical, supported by biopsy if necessary, and treatment is reserved for symptomatic cases or by patient preference. Patient education is critical to ensure proper understanding and management of these lesions.
References
- Myers, D. J., & Fillman, E. P. (2024). Dermatofibroma. StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470538/.
- Dermatofibromas: A Review of the Literature. SAGE Journals. Retrieved from https://journals-sagepub-com.sire.ub.edu/doi/10.1177/106689690401200406.
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