What Is A Fibroma?

Fibromas are typically non-cancerous, known as benign fibroid tumour accumulation of fibrous, connective tissue. Since we have tissue all over the body, fibromas can appear anywhere. 

If a person develops a fibroma, there may not be any symptoms. As fibromas are usually benign cancers, they do not require any treatment unless they become invasive. But, fibrosarcoma is a  rare soft tissue cancerous tumour which can be malignant.

Overview

Fibromas are benign tumours or fibroids consisting of fibrous tissue and connective tissue. They can appear anywhere in the body. In some cases, the tumour occurs without any symptoms (asymptomatic). Most fibromas do not require treatment as they are not malignant (cancerous). However, treatment may be necessary if you are experiencing symptoms. 

Types of fibromas?

The most common types are: 

1. Plantar fibroma

 Plantar fibroma¹ is a rare benign lump-like growth on the plantar fascia, the rubber band-like ligament that stretches from the heel to the toes on the foot arch. 

Plantar fibromas symptoms may not noticed, as the most common symptoms are pain and mild discomfort, but as it grows, it can cause an increase in pain and pressure on the foot.

2. Non-ossifying fibroma

Non-ossifying fibromas 2 are the most common benign bone tumours affecting children. They consist of fibrous tissue and grow on long bones, especially on the legs. 

These fibromas appear as a single growth but do not spread or become cancerous. They grow until the bone reaches its growth. When non-ossifying fibroma heals, they fill up by the surrounding bone cells. 

3. Angiofibroma

Angiofibroma is another type of fibroma to which it associates with blood vessels and fibrous tissue. The appearance of the type is described as small and skin-coloured with symptoms like pink and red pimples covering the cheek and nose area. 

4. Dermatofibroma³

Dermatofibroma appears as an overgrowth nodule of the fibrous tissue in the dermis (deeper skin layer). The benign skin tumours are commonly seen on the upper arm, lower legs, and upper back. They are like hard lumps under the skin. They may vary in colour from pink to deep purple.

5. Oral fibroma

 An oral fibroma⁴ 

6. Uterine fibroid

Uterine fibroid,⁵ known as leiomyomas, are common in their type; a non-cancerous tumour that develops in or around the uterus lining. They are also known as leiomyomas. Uterine fibroid tumours consist of muscle and connective tissue from the walls of the uterus. Smaller it is in size of fibroids in the uterus and does not need treatment. However, if it increases in size then medication or surgery are needed.                       

What triggers fibromas?

Fibromas occur due to many reasons which are unknown.

1. Plantar fibroma

Plantar fibromas identify when the tumour grows on the arch of the foot. The tumour can appear in anyone to which there are fewer cases reported. Plant fibromas are more likely to affect the following persons: 

• Older patients: People aged between 40-60 years old are more prone to developing this type of tumour
• Men assigned from birth have more tendencies than women
• European descent: European ethnic people are more likely to develop plantar fibroma than other ethnicity, which has to do with Northern genes
• Hereditary: Studies suggest that it may be genetically inherited
• Health conditions: High risk of developing plantar fibromas if they have diabetes, epilepsy, or an alcohol use ic disorder

2. Non-ossifying fibroma

Non-ossifying fibromas are the most common benign (non-invasive) bone tumour affecting 20-40% of healthy children. The tumour is an unknown cause, genetic link, or risk factor involved in the growth of non-ossifying fibromas.

3. Angiofibroma

Angiofibromas is a rare tumour growing around the nose area. The tumour shows an overgrowth of collagen, fibroblasts, and blood vessels. Yet, the tumour is not spreadable. 

4. Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibroma may be caused by the injury or trauma to the area

5. Oral fibroma: Oral fibromas are caused due to long-standing irritation in the mouth or trauma to the area. Chronic irritation like:
   • Cheek or lip-biting
   • Rubbing from a rough tooth
   • Dentures or dental prostheses

6. Uterine fibroid

The cause of Uterine fibroids is unknown. The tumour does develop during the reproductive age due to the hormone's influence. The ailment is seen in younger women with a uterus who have attained menstruation. Often, uterine fibroids decrease in size after menopause as the hormone level is in decline mode.  

What are the signs and symptoms of fibromas?

Symptoms of fibroma depend on its type and on the cause and symptoms, whereas others differ;

1. Plantar fibroma
   • The pain in the foot, particularly in the arch of the foot
   • Depending on the size, it can cause pressure on the foot and may feel like a stone in the shoe while walking
   • It appears like a tiny marble or slightly bulge-making. It leads to an unusual shape of the foot

1. Non-ossifying fibroma

The tumour is not painful, but when it grows larger, it may cause tenderness and dull pain in the area of the tumour.

Swelling as the tumour grows is big. Rarely large tumours weaken the bone structure and cause fractures.

2. Angiofibroma

  They appear like small, flesh-coloured pink or red pimples on the cheeks or nose 

3. Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibromas causes itch, is sensitive to touch, and can cause tenderness. They are like hard lumps under the skin or described as dimples (centred lesions). They vary in colour from brown to reddish or coloured flesh.

4. Oral fibroma

Oral fibromas occur as a smooth lump in the mouth, the same colour as the rest of the mouth. They look pale sometimes. However, it might if bled they look dark in colour due to bleeding.

5. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids cause symptoms in some people. The severity of the symptoms depends on the size of the fibroid. Some symptoms are:

• Excessive or painful bleeding during menstruation
• Irregular menstruation
• Bloated feeling in the lower abdomen
• Frequent urination: When the fibroid causes pressure on the bladder
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Constipation
• Infertility
• Chronic vaginal discharge

Management and treatment for fibromas

 Treatment also depends on the type of the fibroma. 

1. Plantar fibroma
   • Medicine to reduce pain (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen).
   • Orthotics -( inserts for the shoes)
   • Stretching exercise
   • Cortisone injections

People rarely need surgery to remove plantar fibromas.

1. Non-ossifying fibroma

Most non-essential fibromas do not require any treatment. If it is not causing any symptoms, they may disappear as the bone grows. However, in some cases, if the tumour growth increases and causes a fracture to the affected bone, the tumour needs to be removed to relieve the symptoms and preserve the bone.

2. Angiofibroma
   • Excision- Surgically removing the tumour
   • Dermabrasion - after this procedure, the skin turns reddish due to a device rotating or sanding down and wanting the skin cells to generate and smooth out the skin
   • Laser treatment - Treatment using radiation-emitting devices
   • Cryotherapy - It is a treatment using liquid nitrogen or dry ice

3. Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibromas are harmless tumours. If the lesion causes any concerns, they are surgically removed. Recurrence is common. In some people, cryotherapy and laser treatments are tools used.

4. Oral fibroma

Oral fibromas do not disappear without treatment. The tumour is taken out through surgical excision. The recurrence after surgery continues if the source of irritation is not managed in the first place. 

5. Uterine fibroid

The treatment for uterine fibroid depends upon the size, location and number of symptoms they are causing.

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure done to remove the fibroid without damaging the uterus lining. There are different types of myomectomy procedures and they are hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and laparotomy.

What diagnosis is being made?

A physical examination is required to diagnose a fibroma. The following tests may be conducted to confirm the presence of a fibroma: 

• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• Bone scan
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

FAQs

How can I prevent fibromas?

We can not prevent fibromas caused by genetic or unknown reasons. In case of tumours caused by trauma or irritation, we can take precautions to lower the risk.

How common are fibromas?

Given that our bodies contain large amounts of connective tissue, fibromas can appear anywhere within the body and are fairly common. 

Who is at risk of fibromas?

Anyone can develop a fibroma as causes are often unknown. Non-ossifying fibromas are the only ones affecting children, while the other types affect adults. 

When should I see a doctor?

Fibromas are harmless growths within our body that usually do not lead to symptoms. However, if you begin to experience symptoms associated with a fibroma, you should consult a doctor. 

Summary

Fibromas are typically non-cancerous tumours made up of fibrous, connective tissue. These growths usually do not require treatment but may lead to and cause symptoms that need monitoring.

Several types of fibromas, including plantar fibromas, non-ossifying fibromas, angiofibromas, dermatofibromas, oral fibromas, and uterine fibroids, depending on the type, may not cause any symptoms or irritate. So, they may not need treatment.

However, if symptoms begin to interfere with daily activities, it is best to seek medical attention for proper treatment.