Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibromas are harmless benign skin growths, found especially on the legs, that range in size from about 0.5 to 2 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 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16740036?dopt=Abstract]

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

ee also

* Dermatology
* Seborrheic keratosis
* Acrochordon, also called skin tags