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Fibroma is a benign, tumor-like neoplasm, consisting mostly of connective and fibrous tissue. It can be formed in the singular or plural. Experts argue about the causes of fibroids, to this day. Some scientists are inclined to hereditary causes of this disease, others note that fibroma can also occur as a result of injuries or various inflammatory diseases.
The likelihood of developing fibroids becomes higher if a similar disease has already been noted in the family. Fibroids tend to form in the elderly or adults, although they are also likely to occur in children. These neoplasms can occur on any part of the skin and in most cases they do not require removal or treatment. For the most part, they are removed only when they wear a bright cosmetic defect or cause pain.
Types of fibroids on the legs
One of the most common types of fibromas include plantar fibromas and dermatofibromas. Plantar fibromas develop on the arch of the foot. They are also benign, but sometimes they can cause pain while walking, in which case they need to be treated. In the treatment, drugs prescribed by a doctor, physiotherapy and orthopedic devices are used. If the pain does not disappear or increases, then surgical treatment may be necessary.
Dermatofibromas are round formations, located mostly on the legs. They can be flesh-colored, almost purple or red. When pressed on the skin, these formations are felt as nodules. Dermatofibromas are only in some cases of a malignant nature, so it is better not to touch them unless necessary.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The main symptoms of the disease include the formation of a small growth, which can be quite hard or soft to the touch. Over time, the color of the fibroma may change. The plantar fibroma may further increase in size.
Very often, fibroma does not cause any pain, except when the neoplasm is located on the sole. When walking on a plantar fibroma, pressure and load are applied, as a result of which pain occurs. And if a person also has excessive sweating of the skin of the legs, then itching can be added to the painful sensations. Often, due to severe pain, it becomes very difficult for the patient to walk. Quite often, fibroma on the foot is formed in the plural, and not in the singular.
This phenomenon is called fibromatosis. Fibroma is diagnosed by a qualified doctor as a result of an external examination. To make a final diagnosis, it is necessary to make a histological examination that can clarify the benignity of the neoplasm and the likelihood of its transformation into a malignant tumor. It should be noted that there are a large number of benign formations on the skin and only a doctor can distinguish them. Self-diagnosis should not be done.
If a doctor cannot diagnose a dermatofibroma during a visual examination, or if the growth is not typical, a biopsy may be needed. In this procedure, a small piece of the tumor is removed and carefully examined under a microscope. A biopsy can be used to diagnose cancer.
Treatment of fibromas on the legs
With plantar fibroma, due to regular pressure, load and friction, there is a possibility of the tumor turning into a malignant formation. In this case, doctors recommend removing the fibroma. The procedure for removing fibroids begins with cryodestruction. During treatment, experts recommend wearing special shoes that reduce pressure on the damaged areas. If the plantar fibroma persists, corticosteroids are used.
In certain cases, if such therapy does not achieve a positive result, the plantar fibroma is removed surgically. After surgical removal of the neoplasm, a long rehabilitation period is needed. In addition, the removal of fibroids is performed by laser and radio wave methods. The advantage of these methods is the rapid healing of the surface and the absence of postoperative scars. These methods are the most modern and reduce the likelihood of the formation of new fibroids.
Bone fibroma
Bone fibroma is a rare true benign tumor of osteogenic origin, which is the result of tumor growth of the connective tissue substance. Bone fibromas of non-osteogenic origin appear to be even rarer.