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

• Fibroma with Pleomorphic Features

What is Pleomorphic Fibroma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pleomorphic Fibroma is a benign tumor of the skin tissue usually occurring in adults
• Treatment of this tumor is by complete excision of the lesion, which is normally considered curative

Who gets Pleomorphic Fibroma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Both males and females are affected by Pleomorphic Fibroma
• It usually occurs in middle age, but it is known to occur at all stages of life
• No racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection of the tumor is reported

What are the Risk Factors for Pleomorphic Fibroma? (Predisposing Factors)

Currently, no risk factors have been reported for Pleomorphic Fibroma.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones 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 Pleomorphic Fibroma? (Etiology)

Currently, the exact cause for the occurrence of Pleomorphic Fibroma is unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pleomorphic Fibroma?

The signs and symptoms of Pleomorphic Fibroma include:

• They appear as a single, soft, slow-growing mass/nodule on the skin. It is not painful to touch
• The skin over the nodule may be reddish-brown in color (or no change in coloration is observed). Normally, the skin remains intact and no ulceration is noted
• Occasionally more than one mass may be present in the region
• Common locations of this tumor include, the extremities (hands and legs), face, and trunk

How is Pleomorphic Fibroma Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Pleomorphic Fibroma is as follows:

• A thorough physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Biopsy of the tumor: Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive 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 Pleomorphic Fibroma?

The possible complications of Pleomorphic Fibroma include:

• Infrequently, there may be a rapid growth of the tumor resulting in ulceration of the overlying skin. This may invade into surrounding tissue causing tissue damage. However, distance metastasis of the tumor from its primary site is not reported
• The tumor may recur after surgical excision if incompletely removed

How is Pleomorphic Fibroma Treated?

Pleomorphic Fibroma is treated as follows:

• Complete surgical excision of the tumor is generally considered to be curative
• If the tumors are not completely removed, then they may recur after a period of time. Hence, it is important to completely remove them through surgery

How can Pleomorphic Fibroma be Prevented?

Currently there are no mechanisms to prevent Pleomorphic Fibroma occurrence. Prompt treatment and early tumor recognition will help in having an optimal outcome.

What is the Prognosis of Pleomorphic Fibroma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Pleomorphic Fibroma is considered to be a benign condition. When the tumor is diagnosed early, a complete excision of the tumor is considered curative
• Early diagnosis and treatment results in an excellent prognosis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pleomorphic Fibroma:

• The pathologist may perform additional immunostains to help diagnose the tumor. The tumor is positive for CD34 immunostain and smooth muscle actin. It is negative for S100 protein, von Villibrandt factor, and CD31
• The above immunostain profile helps in arriving at a definitive diagnosis, by distinguishing a Pleomorphic Fibroma from other tumors, which may present similar findings under a microscope