A non-cancerous skin tumor, also known as fibrous histiocytoma, appear most commonly on the face, neck and lower legs as reddish-brown bumps. Usually, only one or two small soft tissue bumps will develop, although bumps may arise in clusters and occur most often in women. Dermatologists provide no suggestions for prevention because the cause is unknown. They appear as pink, gray, red or brown in color and can change color over the years. These nodules feel like pebbles beneath the skin, rarely grow larger than a half-inch in diameter and develop slowly over time. They are most often painless but can at times be tender and become itchy, especially if they are in an obscure and inconvenient location where they are easily irritated. They are common in adults and rarely develop on children.
With any new skin formation, it is advised to see your dermatologist. When the bump is squeezed, it will dimple, indicating to the doctor that the bump originates deeper in the fatty tissue. Dermatofibroma is non-life threatening, but surgery can be performed for cosmetic or comfort concerns. The excising of a nodule requires the dermatologist to go below the surface level of the skin and can leave behind a noticeable scar. Alternatively, a surgical knife can be used to remove the surface of the dermatofibroma, but because this doesn’t remove the deep layers, the nodules have a tendency to grow back. Cryosurgery, the application of extreme cold to destroy tissue, can be performed or if the bump resides deeper it can be cut off while the patient is under anesthesia.
Dr. Rokhsar is a fellowship trained cosmetic and dermatologic surgeon who strives for minimal scars in any kind of surgery including removal of dermatofibroma.
A dermatofibroma is a benign skin growth, also known as a cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma. These growths typically appear as small, firm, raised bumps, usually painless and flesh-colored, but may also be brown, pink, red, or gray. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the legs, arms, and back. Dermatofibromas may change color over time and may feel like a stone when pinched from the sides. While most dermatofibromas are harmless, some variants such as cellular dermatofibromas may attach to the deepest layer of skin, and are still non-cancerous, but may require medical attention.
Dermatofibromas are usually painless, but some people may experience tenderness or itching. The exact cause of dermatofibromas is not known, but they may result from minor injuries, such as insect bites or scratches, and may occur more frequently in women. Treatment is usually not necessary unless the growth is causing discomfort or the individual wishes to have it removed for cosmetic reasons.
Dermatofibroma is a non-cancerous skin growth that is typically small, raised, and firm to the touch. It can appear anywhere on the body, but it most commonly develops on the legs, arms, and back. The growths can vary in color, ranging from flesh-colored to tan, brown, black, purple, blue, yellow, red, orange, or pink. The color of the growth is often influenced by the underlying pigment of the person’s skin. In light-skinned individuals, dermatofibromas are typically pink to light brown, while in dark-skinned individuals, they are typically dark brown or black.
The size of dermatofibromas varies from 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter, with most lesions being 7 to 10 mm in diameter. Dermatofibromas can be hard, itchy, tender, or painful, depending on the type and location of the growth. While they do not develop into cancer, the nodules may change color over the years.
Dermatofibroma should not be confused with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), which is a rare type of skin cancer. DFSP usually appears as a reddish-brown or pink patch of raised skin that looks like a scar and grows into a hard or rubbery lump. Dr. Rokhsar is happy to evaluate any lesions you may be concerned about to rule-out the possibility of cancer.
Although the exact cause of dermatofibromas is not known, medical researchers suggest that they are a result of the accumulation of extra cells within the deeper layers of the skin. However, it is not clear whether dermatofibromas are a reactive process or a true neoplasm. One theory is that a dermatofibroma is a “reactive growth”. Some people report the occurrence of dermatofibromas after minor traumas like insect bites, injections, or rose thorn injuries. However, this correlation is not consistent. The reason why some people develop dermatofibromas is unclear, but some medications and genetic factors may contribute to their formation.
Dermatofibromas usually appear as a single nodule that rarely grows larger than a half-inch in diameter, but some people can develop many dermatofibromas. Cellular dermatofibromas are a type of dermatofibroma that often grow down to the subcutaneous tissue, and they are more likely to come back (recur) after treatment.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a different skin condition that is often confused with dermatofibroma. DFSP is a rare type of skin cancer that starts in connective tissue cells in the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and looks like a pimple or feels like a rough patch of skin at first. As it grows, lumps of tissue (protuberans) may form near the surface of the skin.
Dermatofibromas are benign skin growths that typically do not require treatment. However, some individuals may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they are causing discomfort. There are several treatment options available for removing dermatofibromas.
One option is surgical excision, which involves removing the growth through a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia. Another option is shave removal, which involves scraping the lesion off the skin’s surface, also done under local anesthesia. Cryotherapy, punch removal, and laser treatments are also treatment methods available for removing dermatofibromas, but they are less commonly used and may not be completely successful. Steroid injections can also be administered to reduce pain or lesion size, but they are not typically used as a primary treatment method for removal.
Dermatofibromas do not go away on their own and will remain for life unless removed. Recurrence after removal is also common, as the lesion can often extend beyond the clinical margin. Therefore, surgical removal is the most effective method for removing dermatofibromas permanently. If you are considering removal, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best course of action based on your individual needs and medical history. Dr Rokhsar, double board certified in dermatology and dermatologic surgery, an expert in surgical or laser treatments of dermatofibromas.
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Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
