Dermatofibroma
A new mole or lesion on the skin can be cause for concern. If you notice something new, especially a non-healing sore or peculiar-looking mole, it is recommended to get it checked out. Skin cancer is extremely common nowadays. With 1 in 5 Americans now developing skin cancer in their lifetime, it is important to have suspicious spots evaluated by a physician. While bumps and moles can often be concerning, not all are cancerous. Some changes to the skin can simply be benign growths, such as with dermatofibromas.
What Is a Dermatofibroma?
A dermatofibroma is a common, benign skin change that can develop over time. This small bump can appear almost anywhere on the body, but usually makes its home on the leg. Also known as Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma, this slow-growing lesion can be raised above the skin surface and is more commonly seen in women. Because it is benign, it is not typically of any health-concern to those that have them.
They are not secluded to a single area of the body, and it is possible to have multiple of these small bumps on the skin. Dermatofibromas can be a dark tan color, but can also be more red or pink. These small bumps are filled with fibrous tissues, and tend to stick around for many years.
What Causes Dermatofibromas?
Dermatofibromas often arise after trauma, such as a bug bite or nicking the skin while shaving. One way that can help confirm the diagnosis of a dermatofibroma is to look for the ‘Dimple Sign.’ Many of these lesions will form a dimple or depression inwards if squeezed on the sides. Your dermatologist may also perform a biopsy of your lesion if the diagnosis is uncertain, or if they cannot definitively tell you that your lesion is a dermatofibroma after performing a skin exam. A skin biopsy in this situation would be able to tell if your lesion is consistent with a dermatofibroma, and could help rule out skin cancer.
There are specific situations where dermatofibromas can be associated with underlying health issues. Typically, multiple dermatofibroma lesions that arise suddenly are seen in these situations. If you have multiple skin lesions that have come on suddenly, you should discuss this with your physician.
Can Dermatofibromas Be Removed?
Dermatofibromas are usually fine to be left alone on the skin. There are a number of ways to remove the spots if necessary.
Contact Us
If you have a skin lesion you are concerned about, please contact us. Our dermatologists are highly skilled and trained to differentiate benign from worrisome bumps that appear on the skin.