Fibroma

A fibroma is a benign proliferation of connective tissue. In the skin, these are most commonly so-called soft fibromas (fibroma molle), which appear as small, skin-coloured or slightly brownish nodules. They may grow on a stalk and feel soft to the touch; firmer variants occur less frequently. Fibromas develop preferentially in skin folds or areas subject to repeated mechanical stress. Typical sites include the neck, the axillary region, the groin, and the face. Friction, pressure, and individual predisposition all play a role in their formation. From a medical standpoint, fibromas are harmless. They grow slowly, do not undergo malignant transformation, and generally cause no pain. Problems arise more commonly from mechanical irritation — for example, during shaving or from clothing. Removal is performed primarily for aesthetic reasons or in cases of recurrent irritation. Depending on size and location, different techniques may be employed. Small fibromas can be precisely ablated using a laser or treated by cryotherapy (freezing). Larger lesions are excised with fine scissors or a scalpel. The procedure takes only a few minutes. In most cases, the skin heals without conspicuous scarring. Despite the characteristic appearance, every skin change should be assessed by a dermatologist beforehand, in order to reliably exclude other findings that may require treatment.