Dermatofibroma removal

If a dense formation has appeared on the skin, which feels like a small nodule, has a pink, brown or dark brown shade and does not disappear over time, this may be a hard fibroma of the skin, or dermatofibroma. It has a benign nature, often does not cause pain and may not change for a long time. At the same time, it is advisable to show any neoplasm on the skin to a dermatologist, since without an examination it is impossible to reliably determine its nature.

At the Oxford Medical clinic, patients can undergo an examination by a dermatologist, diagnostics and, if necessary, removal of dermatofibroma. The doctor will assess the size, localization and features of the neoplasm, after which they will offer the optimal removal method. At Oxford Medical, modern methods are used that allow the procedure to be performed safely, with minimal discomfort and taking into account the aesthetic result.

Dermatofibroma is a dense benign neoplasm of the skin that forms in the dermis — the middle layer of the skin. Most often it has the appearance of a small nodule ranging in size from several millimeters to 1–2 cm, and may be flesh-colored, pink, reddish-brown or dark brown. In scientific and clinical literature, dermatofibroma is also described as histiocytoma or fibrous histiocytoma — according to the English-language term fibrous histiocytoma.

Usually dermatofibroma is located on the legs or arms, less often — on the trunk. To the touch, it is often dense, and when compressed from the sides, it may sink slightly inward.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: in most cases, the formation does not pose a danger, does not turn into cancer and may remain unchanged for a long time. However, externally dermatofibroma is sometimes similar to other skin neoplasms, so it is not worth establishing a diagnosis independently. If the nodule increases, changes color, itches, hurts, is injured by clothing or causes aesthetic discomfort, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist.

The exact causes of the appearance of dermatofibroma cannot always be established. It is believed that the formation may develop as a skin reaction to local irritation or microdamage, but in many cases it appears without an obvious provoking factor.

Possible factors that may contribute to its appearance include:

• microtraumas of the skin — scratches, cuts or other injuries;
• insect bites — sometimes the induration forms at the site of previous inflammation;
• inflammatory reactions of the skin — after irritation, rashes or tissue damage;
• individual features of healing — when after a small skin injury the skin forms a dense fibrous nodule.

It is important to understand that dermatofibroma of the skin does not occur because of poor hygiene, is not an infectious disease and is not transmitted from person to person.

Most often, the following variants of dermatofibroma are distinguished:

• common dermatofibroma — the most common variant, which more often has the appearance of a small dense nodule;
• cellular dermatofibroma — may be larger and has a higher risk of local recurrence after incomplete removal;
• aneurysmal dermatofibroma — sometimes has a darker, bluish or dark brown shade, because of which it requires careful evaluation;
• hemosiderotic dermatofibroma — may have pronounced pigmentation and externally be similar to other pigmented formations;
• epithelioid or atypical dermatofibroma — rarer variants that usually require histological confirmation.

The exact variant of dermatofibroma is determined based on the results of examination, dermatoscopy and, if necessary, histological examination.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), dermatofibroma is usually a benign formation, however in some cases it may have an external similarity to other skin neoplasms. That is why, in case of an atypical appearance, a change in size, color or the appearance of discomfort, the doctor may recommend removal with subsequent histological examination of tissues.

Removal of dermatofibroma is performed after an examination by a dermatologist, conducting dermatoscopy and assessment of the patient’s general well-being. In most cases, the procedure is minimally traumatic, but it may be temporarily postponed if there are factors that increase the risk of complications or affect tissue healing.

The main contraindications include:

• acute infectious diseases or elevated temperature;
• active inflammation, irritation or rashes in the area of the future intervention;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• blood clotting disorders;
• tendency to form rough scars or keloids;
• uncompensated diabetes mellitus;
• pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding — relative contraindications, the decision is made by the doctor individually;
• taking medications that affect blood clotting, if the dosage cannot be temporarily adjusted according to the doctor’s recommendation.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain that it is important not to hide information about chronic diseases, allergic reactions and medications that you take. This helps to properly prepare for the procedure, choose a safe method of removal and reduce the risk of unwanted reactions.

After the examination, the doctor selects the optimal method of treatment. If dermatofibroma is confirmed, removal is performed taking into account its size, depth, localization and the expected aesthetic result.

Main methods:

• Laser removal of dermatofibroma — a modern and minimally traumatic method in which the laser evaporates the tissues of the formation layer by layer with simultaneous coagulation of the vessels. This allows minimizing bleeding, reducing the risk of infection and achieving a better aesthetic result. Healing usually proceeds faster, and the risk of forming a noticeable scar is lower.
• Radio wave removal — a method in which tissues are dissected with high-frequency waves with simultaneous coagulation. It is suitable for small formations, provides careful removal and control of bleeding.
• Electrocoagulation — a method of removal using electric current, which destroys the tissues of the formation and simultaneously coagulates the vessels. It is more often used for small superficial elements.
• Surgical excision — used for larger or deep formations. It makes it possible to completely remove the tissues and conduct their histological examination, but may require suturing.

At the Oxford Medical clinic, experienced doctors work and modern high-precision equipment is used, which allows applying different methods of dermatofibroma removal and selecting the optimal option individually for each patient. This includes technologies that are actively used in modern laser cosmetology, which makes it possible to perform the procedure as delicately as possible, with minimal tissue trauma and a better aesthetic result.

The cost of the procedure depends on the size of the neoplasm, its localization, depth of location and, accordingly, the chosen removal method and the need to conduct histological examination. The final price is determined after the doctor’s examination, since it is important to assess the features of the formation and select safe treatment tactics.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with prices for doctors’ consultations and other medical services here. At the Oxford Medical clinic, patients can undergo the full cycle — from diagnostics to removal — in one place.

The doctor will orient you in more detail regarding the cost and possibilities of treatment during the consultation. You can make an appointment at a time convenient for you by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• US National Library of Medicine / NCBI Bookshelf
• PubMed
• DermNet New Zealand