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Dermatofibroma

Article
Skin Care
Diseases & Conditions
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Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHMar 21, 2020

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma of Skin
  • Fibroma Simplex of Skin
  • Nodular Subepidermal Fibrosis

What is Dermatofibroma? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Dermatofibroma is a benign tumor that is caused due to the proliferation of a specific type of cells, called histiocytes, in the body
  • It is a common tumor that occurs on the skin as a painless nodule. It can occur at any age
  • A simple surgical excision of the tumor is considered curative. The prognosis for Dermatofibroma is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Dermatofibroma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Dermatofibroma can occur at any age, but is common during the 30s and 40s
  • Both males and females may be affected with equal frequency
  • Individuals of all racial and ethnic background can be affected. Worldwide, no geographical localization of Dermatofibroma has been reported

What are the Risk Factors for Dermatofibroma? (Predisposing Factors)

The potential risk factors for Dermatofibroma include:

  • Insect bites
  • Hair infections
  • Injury to the skin

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Dermatofibroma? (Etiology)

  • The exact cause of development of Dermatofibroma is unknown
  • Some researchers believe that it is caused due to inflammation, while others consider that Dermatofibroma is caused due to neoplastic proliferation

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dermatofibroma?

The signs and symptoms of Dermatofibroma include:

  • Dermatofibromas usually occur as single, raised nodules on the skin. The skin over the nodules may have a reddish discoloration. They can occur anywhere in the body on the skin
  • The nodules are usually painless and non-itchy. They are mostly well-demarcated and firm to touch
  • Occasionally, Dermatofibroma may be present as a collection of nodules.  When Dermatofibroma occurs in such groups, the possibility of immunocompromised states and autoimmune disorders should be ruled out on clinical grounds. Some of such clinical conditions include:
    • Pemphigus vulgaris
    • Myasthenia gravis
    • Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis
    • Solid organ transplants (such as liver transplant, kidney transplant, heart transplant)
    • AIDS
    • Chronic steroidal therapy and chemotherapy for cancers
  • The collection of multiple nodules of Dermatofibroma has been noted in some African American women, diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. The cause of multiple Dermatofibroma remains unknown

How is Dermatofibroma Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Dermatofibroma may involve the following:

  • A thorough medical history and physical examination
  • A biopsy of the skin nodule, which is examined by a pathologist under a microscope. The pathological examination will help in a definitive diagnosis. A pathologist may perform additional immunostains to confirm the diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Dermatofibroma?

Dermatofibroma is a benign tumor and it does not cause any significant complications. However, the following factors may be a cause for concern:

  • The presence of multiple nodules may result in cosmetic issues
  • Certain underlying conditions with severe signs and symptoms, due to a collection of nodules (multiple Dermatofibromas), in some cases
  • Recurrence of the tumor on incomplete surgical excisions

How is Dermatofibroma Treated?

  • Treatment of Dermatofibroma is a complete surgical excision, which results in a cure
  • Once the tumor is completely removed, it usually does not recur. An incomplete removal of the tumor may result in a recurrence
  • Most of Dermatofibroma are removed to confirm the diagnosis and to eliminate the possibility of other skin types of tumors

How can Dermatofibroma be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Dermatofibroma occurrence.

What is the Prognosis of Dermatofibroma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Dermatofibroma is excellent, since it is a benign tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Dermatofibroma:

  • Dermatofibroma should be distinguished from a more aggressive tumor type, called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
  • There are other Dermatofibroma types, which include aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma, epithelioid cell histiocytoma, and cellular fibrous histiocytoma. These 3 Dermatofibroma types are usually benign and behave just like the traditional Dermatofibroma
  • The pathologist may perform certain special tests, called immunohistochemical stains and histochemical stains, to identify the tumor type. Dermatofibroma is usually positive for CD68, factors 13a, vimentin, actin, and CD34 immune stains
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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