Merck Manual

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Dermatofibromas

(Benign Fibrous Histiocytomas)

By

Denise M. Aaron

, MD, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2023
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Topic Resources

Dermatofibromas are firm, red-to-brown, small papules or nodules composed of fibroblastic tissue. They usually occur on the thighs or legs but can occur anywhere.

Dermatofibromas are common among adults, more so in women. Their cause is probably genetic. Lesions are usually 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter, firm, and may dimple inward with gentle pinching. Most lesions are asymptomatic, but some itch or ulcerate after minor trauma.

Diagnosis of Dermatofibromas

  • Clinical evaluation

Diagnosis of dermatofibromas can often be made clinically. There are several described dermatoscopic patterns of dermatofibromas (1 Diagnosis reference Dermatofibromas are firm, red-to-brown, small papules or nodules composed of fibroblastic tissue. They usually occur on the thighs or legs but can occur anywhere. This photo shows a small hyperpigmented... read more Diagnosis reference ). Lesions are sometimes biopsied to exclude melanocytic proliferation (eg, nevus, solar lentigo, melanoma Melanoma Malignant melanoma arises from melanocytes in a pigmented area (eg, skin, mucous membranes, eyes, or central nervous system). Metastasis is correlated with depth of dermal invasion. With spread... read more Melanoma ) or other tumors. Dermatofibromas may appear hyperpigmented in darker skin tones.

Diagnosis reference

Treatment of Dermatofibromas

  • Excision if troublesome

Dermatofibromas that cause troublesome symptoms can be excised. Treatment with cryosurgery may alleviate symptoms.

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