• United Kingdom
• Change

Bupa members

Support and offers for individual members and customers

Dermatofibroma

Published by Bupa's health information team, August 2008.

This factsheet is for people who have a dermatofibroma, or who would like information about it.

A dermatofibroma is a type of non-cancerous growth in your skin. It may also be called a histiocytoma.

• About dermatofibromas
• Symptoms of dermatofibroma
• Causes of dermatofibroma
• Diagnosis of dermatofibroma
• Treatment of dermatofibroma
• Questions and answers
• Related topics
• Sources

About dermatofibromas

A dermatofibroma is an abnormal growth consisting of cells, blood vessels and scar tissue, which develops in a layer of your skin called the dermis. You will notice it as a small, firm lump under your skin. Dermatofibromas are harmless, and not a type of cancer. The only problem they may cause is concern about how they look.

The structures and layers of the skin

Women are more likely to develop dermatofibromas than men, and they are most common in young to middle-aged adults. They most often appear on the lower legs and, in women, on the upper arms - although they can occur anywhere on the body. Most people who have a dermatofibroma only have one, however some people may get several.

Symptoms of dermatofibroma

A dermatofibroma may have the following features:

• the colour may range from pink to brown
• the surface of the skin may be dull, shiny or scaly
• it's usually 5mm to 10mm across, rarely more
• it will appear gradually, usually over several months

Usually, there are no symptoms from a dermatofibroma. However, it may hurt or itch if you touch or knock it.

If you notice any new lump on your skin, you should have it checked by your GP.

Causes of dermatofibroma

The exact reasons why you may develop a dermatofibroma are not fully understood at present. However, they often seem to develop after you have had a minor injury to your skin, such as a prick from a thorn or an insect bite.

Diagnosis of dermatofibroma

Your GP will examine the lump on your skin and may also ask you about your medical history.

Your GP will usually be able to identify that the growth is a dermatofibroma, just from the way it looks. If your GP is unable to confirm your diagnosis, he or she may refer you to a dermatologist for further tests. A dermatologist is a doctor specialising in conditions affecting the skin. If there is any doubt about your diagnosis, your dermatologist may suggest you have a skin biopsy - this involves taking a sample of your skin, which will be sent to a laboratory for testing.

Treatment of dermatofibroma

As dermatofibromas are harmless and usually cause little trouble, it is likely that you will not need any treatment at all. Your GP will be able to reassure you if you have any concerns about your dermatofibroma.

However, it is possible to have your dermatofibroma removed with minor surgery. Your GP may recommend this if you feel your dermatofibroma is particularly unsightly, if it is causing you symptoms such as pain or itching, or if there is any doubt about your diagnosis.

Surgery

The procedure to remove a dermatofibroma is minor surgery that your GP may be able to carry out in his/her GP practice. Alternatively you may be referred to a dermatologist at your local hospital, where you will have the procedure as an outpatient.

Before the procedure, your doctor will clean the skin around your dermatofibroma and apply a local anaesthetic. This will numb the area of skin around your dermatofibroma. Your doctor will remove the growth using a scalpel to cut into your skin. He or she will then close your wound with stitches.

Surgery to remove a dermatofibroma always leaves a scar, which unfortunately can be as obvious as the dermatofibroma itself. Your doctor will discuss this with you, and can help you to decide whether having the procedure is worthwhile.

Related topics

• Skin lesion removal

Sources

• Dermatofibroma. British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk, accessed 25 June 2008
• Kumar P and Clark M. Clinical Medicine. 6th ed: Elsevier, 2005:1350
• Fitzpatrick TB, Johnson RA, Wolff K, et al. Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology - common and serious diseases. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997:172-173
• Simon C, Everitt H, and Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:664-665; 186

This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr Mike Ardern-Jones, BSc, MBBS, MRCP, DPhil, Consultant Dermatologist; Southampton University NHS Trust and Spire Southampton Hospital, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: August 2008.