Neurofibroma.
A solitary Neurofibroma is a single, harmless, fleshy lump.
Solitary Neurofibroma
A harmless soft fleshy skin growth.
What is a solitary neurofibroma?
A neurofibroma is a benign tumour that grows on nerves in the skin. They are often mistaken for fleshy moles or skin tags.
While a single neurofibroma may not be appealing cosmetically, they do not pose any substantial health risks. However, multiple neurofibromas may be a sign of neurofibromatosis.
Who gets them?
The development of solitary neurofibromas generally occurs after adolescence, but they might happen at any age.
It is equally prevalent in both males and females.
CLUES
Neurofibromas are pink or skin-coloured growths, ranging in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres. The growth typically appears on the arms, legs, abdomen, chest or back, but can appear on any part of the body.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of a neurofibroma is that it is soft and mobile. Physically, a neurofibroma is soft enough that you can fold it inward like a button.
Easily confused with a skin tag, the lesion can be misdiagnosed. However, skin tags tend to be smaller and on a narrower stalk than neurofibromas, and they are most commonly found in the skin folds of people who are overweight.
Gallery of Neurofibroma
Why does Neurofibroma matter?
Solitary neurofibromas are not a cause for concern.
The development of multiple neurofibromas, however, could indicate neurofibromatosis, a childhood genetic disorder.
Neurofibromatosis may present with subtle early symptoms, including:
- multiple neurofibromas
- Several cafe au lait patches (2-10 cm in diameter) typically present at birth
- freckles under the armpits.
What is the treatment of a solitary neurofibroma?
To confirm a diagnosis of a solitary neurofibroma, the lesion will need to be excised and then examined pathologically. The pathology will reveal a benign tumour of the spindle cells.
Neurofibromas do not cause any harm, despite being classified as a tumour.
A suspected neurofibroma will usually be left alone unless it causes cosmetic concerns or catches on things like clothing.
