Dermatofibroma or histiocytoma is benign skin growth. A dermatofibroma is a round growth, commonly found on the legs and arms. It may appear in a variety of colors, usually brownish to purple.

Dermatofibromas occur more often in women than men. Dermatofibromas usually don’t cause discomfort. In a small number of cases basal cell carcinoma may develop in a dermatofibroma.

Treatment is recommended only if dermatofibroma is irritated by clothing or is in the way of shaving.

Dermatofibromas can be removed surgically under local anesthesia. Another type of treatment is freezing with liquid nitrogen, but in this case only upper part of dermatofibroma is removed, so it may become noticeable again after several years.

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