Fibromas of the skin, uterus or lung tissue: why are they dangerous?

Often, when tumor elements are detected on the skin or found in internal organs, a diagnosis of fibroma is made. This is a benign tissue growth, consisting of specific connective tissue cells — a mature, adult type. With skin localization of elements, fibroma usually forms in the thickness of the dermis, under the epidermis. It is also possible the formation of fibroids in the uterus, mainly in its muscular layer, or lung damage localized in the parenchyma and affecting the breathing process. Less commonly, there may be fibroids of other localizations. It is important to consult a doctor if such formations are found, to identify the cause and size of the tumor in order to remove it under local anesthesia or when planning a full-fledged operation.

Skin fibromas: causes and features of development

Such skin lesions are classified as benign elements. They have extremely slow growth, form a capsule, do not grow into neighboring tissues and do not give metastases. The reason why the skin suddenly becomes the site of fibroma growth is not known for certain, but the role of external factors and unfavorable heredity in the genesis of the neoplasm is assumed. Fibromas often have a familial character, appearing in several generations, but have different localization on the skin. Also, fibroids often appear in middle and old age, progressing as the body ages. Usually, the formation has a single character, the skin within the dermis is affected, the formation is covered from above by unchanged epithelium, delimited from other tissues. It looks like a dense knot, reaching sizes up to several centimeters.

What formations can a doctor diagnose?

Usually, a fibroma does not hurt and does not cause any particular inconvenience to the patient, so a doctor is often consulted because of a cosmetic defect that forms a fibroma. If this is a small formation, the skin above the surface is not changed or there is slight pigmentation, but if the tumor reaches a large size, the skin may turn red or become cyanotic. On examination, the doctor carefully probes the formation to determine whether it belongs to one of two types.

Soft fibroma has the appearance of a small bag with multiple wrinkles, often with a leg. Usually the size of these formations does not exceed 0.5-0.8 cm, the skin is flesh or brownish, often formed in women and people who are prone to fullness. The doctor usually finds similar elements in the armpits, folds under the breast or on the surface of the mammary gland, in the groin or on the neck, in the eyelid area. As you age, the number of fibroids may increase.

Dermatofibroma or dense fibroma usually has a wide base, it is dense and not painful to the touch, mobility is limited. It may have a raised dome above the skin or an indentation in the localization zone. When diagnosing a fibroma, the doctor checks for a special «pit syndrome», compression between the fingers leads to its lowering into the tissues with the formation of a hole. Such fibromas occur on the skin and mucous membranes, equally often in men and women, usually single. They have a rounded or oval shape, without changing the adjacent tissues.

Histological examination helps the doctor to make a final diagnosis.

Formations in the uterus

Often, such formations are detected in the wall of the uterus, having an asymptomatic course or forming certain complaints of a woman. The tumor is benign, grows slowly, and often its first symptoms can form several years after its occurrence. The uterus is usually affected within the muscular or serous layer, submucosal formations are possible. A node can be single or in the form of a cluster of a group of nodules. Sizes vary from a few millimeters to 20 cm in diameter. The exact reasons why the uterus is affected are unknown, the role of hormonal influences and hereditary predisposition is assigned, often the background for the formation of fibromas is obesity, hypertension, stress, pathologies of the pancreas and thyroid gland. If we talk about the manifestations, for tumors of large size, menstrual irregularities are typical, with profuse bleeding and pain in the pelvis. Due to the pressure of the uterus on neighboring organs, frequent urination and constipation, discomfort in the perineum are not uncommon. Small-sized fibromas do not manifest themselves in any way.

Fibroma of the lungs: impact on breathing

It is possible to form a fibroma in the lung area, both with an asymptomatic course and with certain effects on the breathing process. If it grows inside the lung and is small in size, it may not manifest itself in any way, but if it protrudes into the lumen of a large bronchus, free breathing may be disturbed, wheezing and coughing may occur. A particularly unfavorable situation will be the development of multiple fibroids, which significantly complicates breathing, squeezing the bronchi, and requires prompt removal. But there is good news — such tumor formations do not transform into cancer, they are well removed promptly without recurrence.

Fibroids treatment: surgery and removal on the skin with anesthesia

The presence of fibroma in the internal organs, which disrupts the normal functioning and functionality of the organs, requires surgery. Removal is carried out surgically with general anesthesia and full preparation for the operation. If these are fibromas on the skin and they bring inconvenience and form cosmetic defects, removal with local anesthesia is used. Usually, it is necessary to remove those fibromas that are injured or located in the area of ​​open parts of the body. The operation is performed on an outpatient basis or in cosmetic clinics, anesthesia is selected based on the size and location of the formation, as well as the removal technique. Excision is acceptable by the classical technique — a scalpel with suturing, or electrocoagulation, laser, radio wave method. Modern methods are preferred, they simultaneously stop the blood and create sterility, but anesthesia is also used, as they are painful.