Dermatofibroma

Overview
Dermatofibromas are harmless benign skin growths, found especially on the legs, that range in size from about 0.5 to 1 cm.

Presentation
They are hard papules (rounded bumps) that may appear in a variety of colors, usually brownish to tan. Although typical dermatofibromas cause little or no discomfort, itching and tenderness can occur. Some physicians and researchers believe dermatofibromas form as a reaction to previous injuries such as insect bites or thorn pricks. They are composed of disordered collagen laid down by fibroblasts. In rare cases, basal cell carcinoma may develop in a dermatofibroma.

Deep penetrating dermatofibroma may be difficult to distinguish, even histologically, from rare malignant fibrohistocytic tumours eg dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Dermatofibromas occur most often in women; the male to female ratio is about 1:4.

Treatment
Most physicians will advocate treatment only if the lesion is in the way of shaving, or is becoming irritated by clothing. Removal can be done surgically with local anesthesia, but, since much of the growth extends beneath the surface of the skin, the scar may be larger and more noticeable than the original tumor. Cryosurgery may also be used to remove a dermatofibroma.