National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Dermatofibroma

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma
Categories:
Dermatofibroma is a common benign skin nodule. It frequently develops on the extremities (most often the lower legs). Although it is generally not associated with any signs or symptoms, some affected people may experience itching and/or tenderness. Dermatofibromas are found in people of all ages and ethnicity and are more commonly diagnosed in women than men. The underlying cause of dermatofibroma is currently unknown. Treatment is generally not required, but if symptoms are present, the lesion can be surgically removed.[1][2]
Last updated: 3/19/2017

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Dermatofibroma. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Dermatofibroma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Amanda Oakley, MD. Dermatofibroma. DermNet New Zealand. January 2016; http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/dermatofibroma/.
  2. Joseph C Pierson, MD. Dermatofibroma. Medscape Reference. March 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1056742-overview.