A fibroma is a benign, small skin tumor, which often takes the form of a stem-shaped projection of the skin. The preferred locations for fibromas are in the armpits, groin, under the breasts in women and in the neck. A particular form of fibromas occur on the scalp. A fibroma can give problems with abrasive clothing or when combing.
Cause
The cause for the development of fibromas is still unclear, but several factors could possibly play a role:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Age.
- Overweight.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Hormones (fibromas occur especially after menopause).
- Rubbing of clothing.
Symptoms
The length of a fibroma is usually a few millimeters, but they can also be two centimeters long. The most common signs and symptoms are:
- Color that can change over time.
- Itch.
- Possible bleeding with injuries.
- Sensitivity to touch.
- Small bump with a raised surface.
- Abdominal pain (with fibroma in the uterus).
- Pain with pressure, standing or walking (in case of plantar fibroma under the foot).
- Spreading of additional fibromas over time.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of fibroma is made on the clinical appearance. Additional examination is not needed.
Treatment
A benign fibroma doesn’t require treatment. In some cases, when the fibroma is formed on the skin, people choose to have it removed for aesthetic reasons. This treatment can be carried out under local anesthesia. It is important that all tumor cells are cut out, otherwise the fibroma can grow back again. A cutaway fibroma can be tested to be sure there are no malignant tumor cells. If it's not clear whether a tumor is benign or malignant, it should always be removed out of precaution.
Prognosis
Fibromas are very common and will not go away on their own. In some people, more and more fibromas may arise on the skin in the course of the years.
Considerations
- It is not possible to prevent the emergence of fibromas.
- People can also manually remove fibromas. A new method for use at home is based upon the freezing method, which is also used with common warts. It includes an applicator pin and a protective patch. The protective patch protects the surrounding healthy skin and ensures precise treatment. With the applicator pin, the fibroma is frozen, causing the fibroma, usually after ten to fourteen days, to fall from the skin and new, healthy skin becomes visible.
