Fibrokeratoma: Clinical Summary

Kalafhi Medical Centre | Tuesday May 28, 2024 06:01

Symptoms:

Most fibrokeratomas are asymptomatic, meaning they cause no symptoms. In some cases, they may cause itching or discomfort, especially if they rub against clothing or become irritated.

Appearance:

Fibrokeratomas are usually small, typically less than 1 cm (about half the width of your pinky finger) in diameter. They can be flesh-colored, pink, or brown. The surface may be smooth, wrinkled, or lobulated (having rounded bumps). They can be sessile (attached directly to the skin) or pedunculated (attached by a narrow stalk).

Location:

Fibrokeratomas most commonly occur on the fingers and toes, particularly on the sides of the fingers or toes near the nails. They can also occur on other parts of the body, such as the hands, arms, legs, trunk, and even the face.

Causes:

The exact cause of fibrokeratomas is unknown. Some researchers believe that they may be caused by trauma to the skin. They are not contagious and do not run in families.

Diagnosis:

Fibrokeratomas can usually be diagnosed by a dermatologist during a skin examination. In some cases, a biopsy (removal of a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

Because they are benign and usually asymptomatic, treatment for fibrokeratomas is not necessary. However, if a fibrokeratoma is bothersome or cosmetically concerning, it can be removed by a dermatologist using various methods, such as: #Surgical excision (cutting) #Cryotherapy (freezing) #Electrocautery (burning with electricity) #Laser surgery

Source: Dr Aloosh