fibrome

Fibroma is a benign tumor composed of fibrous or connective tissue. It can develop in many parts of the body, most commonly in the skin, oral cavity, or deep soft tissues. Fibromas are typically slow growing and painless; they present as a firm, well-circumscribed nodule or plaque. They may be solitary or multiple and can occur at any age, although some types show site- or age-related patterns.

In the skin, fibromas include soft fibromas (fibroepithelial polyps) and other benign fibrous skin lesions. In the oral cavity, focal fibrous hyperplasia or irritation fibroma are common, especially on the gingiva or buccal mucosa. There are also fibrous tumors within bone, such as desmoplastic fibroma, which are rare and can be more aggressive.

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, imaging as needed (such as ultrasound or MRI for deeper lesions), and histopathology from a biopsy. Histology typically shows a proliferation of fibroblasts in a dense collagenous stroma, with relatively low cellularity and no significant atypia. Distinction from malignant fibrous tumors relies on appearance, growth pattern, and behavior.

Treatment generally involves complete surgical excision. Prognosis is usually excellent, and recurrence is uncommon for cutaneous fibromas but may occur if margins are incomplete or in certain bone or mucosal types.

See also: fibromatosis, desmoid tumor, fibrosarcoma, leiomyoma.

---