Fibromas are common, non-cancerous growths composed of fibrous connective tissue that can appear on or in various parts of the body. While generally harmless, many individuals seek their removal for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort due to their location or irritation.
Approaches to Self-Care
Attempting to remove fibromas at home is not recommended due to significant risks. Methods like cutting, tying off, or applying harsh chemicals can lead to serious complications, including infection, excessive bleeding, and permanent scarring. Self-treatment could also worsen a more serious condition or delay proper diagnosis if the growth isn’t a benign fibroma. Professional medical evaluation is the safest course of action for any new or changing skin growth.
When Professional Help is Needed
Seeking professional medical advice is important for any new skin growth or changes in an existing one. A healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, can accurately diagnose a fibroma. This diagnosis typically involves a visual examination, often using a dermatoscope. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed, where a small tissue sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, including cancerous growths. It is particularly important to consult a doctor if a growth changes in size, shape, or color, or if it causes pain, itching, or bleeding.
Medical Removal Procedures
When fibroma removal is desired or necessary, several medical procedures are available, each suited to different types and locations of growths.
Surgical excision
Surgical excision involves using a scalpel to cut out the fibroma and a margin of surrounding tissue. This method is often performed under local anesthesia, allowing for complete removal and pathological examination to confirm its benign nature. The wound is typically closed with sutures.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the fibroma with liquid nitrogen, which destroys the tissue. The extremely cold temperature (-196°C) causes cell death. This method is often used for smaller, superficial fibromas and may result in blistering, crusting, and eventual shedding of the lesion.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery utilizes a controlled electric current to burn off the fibroma. The heat generated by the electric current cauterizes the tissue and helps to stop bleeding during the procedure. This technique is effective for various fibromas and can result in minimal scarring.
Laser removal
Laser removal employs focused beams of light to ablate or vaporize the fibroma tissue. Different types of lasers, such as CO2 or diode, can be used depending on the fibroma’s characteristics. Laser procedures offer precision, minimal bleeding, and often promote faster healing, making them suitable for growths in sensitive areas like the mouth.
Ligation
Ligation is a method primarily used for pedunculated fibromas, which are growths attached by a stalk. This procedure involves tying a surgical thread around the base of the stalk, which cuts off the blood supply to the fibroma. Over several days, the deprived tissue withers and eventually falls off.
What to Expect After Removal
After a fibroma removal procedure, recovery expectations vary depending on the method used. Patients typically receive wound care instructions, which include keeping the treated area clean and dry. Depending on the procedure, a dressing may be applied and require changes.
Temporary side effects are common and may include redness, swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort around the treatment site. Over-the-counter pain relievers can often manage pain. While many procedures aim for minimal scarring, some degree of scarring can occur, and its appearance varies based on the removal technique and individual healing. The treated area will gradually heal over days to weeks. Although fibromas are benign, new ones can sometimes form in the same or different areas, especially if underlying irritants persist.