Dermatofibroma Removal in Toronto

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Dermatofibroma, also called "benign fibrous histiocytoma," is a small, solitary, harmless lump that appears on the skin. It is typically firm or hard when touched and can vary in colour, including pink, red, or dark brown. Years after their initial appearance, dermatofibromas may still grow and become tender when touched, but they generally do not cause any significant health issues.

These skin lumps are commonly found in women, particularly on their arms and legs, but can also affect men. The ratio of women to men affected by this condition is about 4:1. Adults between the ages of 20 and 49 are more prone to developing dermatofibromas.

Dermatofibromas can grow anywhere on the body, but they are typically found on exposed body parts such as the arms and legs. These lumps might also cause itchiness or tenderness. The exact cause of benign fibrous histiocytoma remains unknown, but they sometimes tend to appear after a scrape, prick or other skin injuries. It's also possible for dermatofibromas to increase in size over time. This means that a lump initially small might become more noticeable as time passes.

While generally harmless, dermatofibromas can sometimes cause discomfort or irritation. In these cases, removal of the lump may be necessary. TMSC takes pride in providing efficient dermatofibroma removal in the Toronto area. Our surgeons use specialized microsurgery techniques to safely and effectively remove the lump while minimizing scarring and preserving surrounding tissue.

Dermatofibroma Symptoms

So, how can you recognize dermatofibroma? As we've previously discussed their appearance, colour, and size, it's also important to remember that they don't cause much pain and discomfort. However, in some cases, they can be painful, tender when touched or itchy. They also generally appear single but multiple lumps can develop. Finally, their size is typically around 1/2 inch in diameter.

Appearance: Dermatofibroma typically appears as a round bump, often under the skin, and exhibits a firm to hard texture upon touch
Size: Mostly 3 to 10 millimeters in width, with sizes varying from the tip of a ballpoint pen to a pea
Colour: Usually brownish to tan, but shades of pink or red can also appear. Some may feature a paler center, and it's worth noting that the colour may change over time
Location: While they are most commonly found on the arms and legs, Dermatofibromas can also manifest on the torso and other body parts‍
Additional symptoms: Mostly painless, but there can be instances of itching, tenderness, inflammation, or even pain. They can also be sensitive and tender when pressed and dimple inward instead of stretching along with the skin. In fact, this is one of the key signs of dermatofibroma, which distinguishes it from other skin conditions.

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Dermatofibroma is due to the unusual growth in the skin's second layer, known as the dermis. The exact reason why these growths appear is not fully understood by doctors. However, they have noticed that minor skin injuries, like splinters or insect bites, might be linked to their development.

Typically, a person has only one dermatofibroma, but for those with weaker immune systems, multiple growths can occur. Even up to these days, the reason why dermatofibroma appears remains unknown, leading experts to describe it as an idiopathic condition. This means it arises without a known cause. It's then believed that these growths could result from various minor skin injuries, or they might just appear out of nowhere. Dermatofibromas are generally harmless and non-cancerous, starting off small, sometimes as tiny as half an inch in diameter.

Healthcare professionals have said that dermatofibromas develop in the dermis layer of the skin. While they're usually removed for aesthetic reasons, especially if they're on visible parts of the body, some people choose to have them removed because they can become itchy, sore or sensitive. Dermatofibromas are more common in adults than in children, with young women being particularly susceptible. In some instances, individuals might have multiple dermatofibromas that can grow over time.

Risk factors

Your risk of developing dermatofibroma is higher if you are in the following situations:

Gender: Dermatofibroma is common in young women as opposed to their male counterparts. The incidence of this condition is significantly less in men.‍
Age factor: Dermatofibroma is not as common in children as it is in adults. It is rare for a child to develop this condition.

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No referral needed

At TMSC, our dermatofibroma treatment in Toronto involves surgically removing the lump and then stitching the skin. One of our board-certified surgeons will perform the procedure and use a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring it is entirely painless and comfortable for you. We strive hard to minimize scarring and preserve the surrounding tissue.

How is dermatofibroma diagnosed?

The diagnosis of dermatofibroma primarily depends on the patient's medical history and symptoms. The physician typically conducts a local examination first. They may use sight and light or squeeze the skin to see if it causes a dimple in the middle. If there is any uncertainty about the presence of dermatofibroma, a biopsy may be ordered.

What are the treatment options for dermatofibroma?

Although dermatofibromas are not cancerous or painful, and thus usually don't require treatment, some people may seek treatment due to cosmetic reasons or if they experience any discomfort. Treatment options include steroid injections, surgical excision, and freezing the nodules. Surgical excision is considered the most reliable method as it offers permanent results.

How does the Dermatofibroma Removal Procedure work?

Initial consultation: The dermatofibroma removal process begins with an initial consultation with one of our surgeons where they examine the dermatofibroma and review your medical history. From the initial consultation to the final follow-up, our surgeons will be there all the way to ensure you have a successful and seamless removal procedure.
Surgery: During the surgery, our surgeon administers local anesthesia, and the dermatofibroma is removed painlessly.
Post-procedure: After removing the dermatofibroma, the area is stitched up. Before you go home, they will discuss what you can expect during your recovery process and provide aftercare tips to ensure minimal scarring and quick recovery.

The downtime for this surgery is minimal, and you can resume your daily activities right after the procedure. However, our surgeons might recommend avoiding strenuous activities for a few days to avoid complications. They will inform you when you can start your regular exercise or other strenuous activities once they ensure healing is complete.

Scarring

We understand our patients' desire to keep scarring to an absolute minimum, so we take every precaution to ensure any resulting scars are as minimal as possible. We also use scar management gels specifically designed to help new scars heal as quickly as possible.

With our surgeons' experience, you can be confident that any scarring will be minimal, and you'll achieve the best possible results from your procedure. We also prioritize patient care and ensure that any concerns you may have are adequately addressed, even after the procedure is complete.

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FAQs

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Is it possible to remove a dermatofibroma?

Yes, our surgeons at TMSC have the expertise to completely remove a dermatofibroma from your body using a surgical procedure known as excision. It's important not to attempt removing any skin growths by yourself at home, as doing so could lead to infections, scarring, and bleeding.

How can I permanently eliminate a dermatofibroma?

At present, there's no way to reduce the size or shrink a dermatofibroma. For permanent removal, our surgeons at TMSC can perform a surgical excision. Home removal attempts are strongly discouraged.

Is there a risk of dermatofibroma becoming cancerous?

Dermatofibroma is a common type of growth found in the dermis layer of the skin and is non-cancerous. There's no risk of it transforming into a cancerous growth at any time.

How does it feel to have a dermatofibroma?

A dermatofibroma might feel like a small lump or as hard as a pebble beneath the skin. Generally, these lumps don't cause pain, though some individuals might notice itching or sensitivity in the area.

Will insurance cover the removal of a dermatofibroma?

Insurance may cover the removal of a dermatofibroma if it's deemed medically necessary. However, if the removal is for cosmetic reasons, insurance is unlikely to cover the cost.

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Dermatofibroma Removal in Toronto