Definition of fibroma
The fibroid, also known as fibroid tumor, represents a category of benign tumors composed of connective tissue fibers.
Where they originate
Fibroids can arise in any area of the body, originating from the mesenchymal tissue; in particular, fibroids develop in the stomach, in the intestine, in the uterus (fibromyoma, the most common) and in the ovaries (leiomyoma). Furthermore, bones and skin can also be affected: in these areas, fibroids tend to evolve slowly and surgical excision completely removes the tumor. However, surgery does not always remove the entire fibroma, as it can develop in delicate areas; often, however, the surgeon advises the patient to undergo surgery to ascertain the benign nature of the neoplasm; sometimes, in fact, lymphoma can develop into malignant forms (in these cases we speak of fibrosarcoma).
Classification of fibroids
Fibroids may present two types of morphology and, based on this conformation, they are subdivided into nodular and polyposis fibroids. Another classification of lymphomas is based on consistency: hard fibroma and soft fibroma. In the first case, the fibroid is made up of many fibers and a few cells (typical characteristic of skin fibroids) and it is called dermatofibroma or cutaneous nodules. The soft fibroma, on the other hand, has a particular branched shape and is made up of many cells connected to each other, and few fibers (typical fibroma of the axillae, groin and neck).
Uterine fibroma may involve only some areas of the uterus, or expand to the point of occupying the whole organ. In this regard, we distinguish three sub-categories:
- Intramural fibroma: it develops only in the muscular wall
- suboserous pedunculated fibroma: fibroma that remains connected to the wall with a peduncle or with a filament
- submucous fibroma: neoplasm whose expansion extends inwards
Other types of fibroid include:
- Mixofibroma
- Ossifying fibroma: fibroid with a hard and fibrous consistency, typical of the mouth and maxillary areas
- Cystic fibroma: involves weakening of the lymphatic vessels
- Angiofibroma: cavernous fibroma consisting of numerous dilated blood vessels. It primarily affects male adolescents.
- Neurofibroma: benign neoplasm that affects a nerve. First it originates at the level of Schwann cells and in fibroblasts, and then spreads via the nerve pathway. They can develop into sarcoma (malignant transformation of the fibroid).
- Renal fibroma: a small neoplasm that specifically involves the medullary of the kidney, only rarely affects the cortical area
- Dermoplasmic fibroma
- Traumatic fibroma: a typical benign neoplasm that involves the soft tissues of the mucous membrane of the mouth. It is called "traumatic" because it is generally caused by a trauma or injury to the mucous membrane of the mouth. Sometimes, traumatic fibroids can be confused with lipomas.
- Fibroma nucale
- Pleomorphic skin fibroma: usually affects the skin areas of the head and neck.
- Fibroxantoma (or non-ossifying fibroma): generally asymptomatic fibrous bone lesion. Most of the time it is discovered accidentally by radiography.
The classification of fibroids, as well as that of lymphomas, is quite complex, since many aspects must be evaluated: morphological, histological, location, area concerned, size, etc.
Diagnosis
Fibroids generally develop slowly and remain benign, harmless forms; despite this, the analysis of each fibroid must be absolutely detailed and precise to ensure the improbability of a possible malign progression. The general characteristics, the dangerousness of each fibrous neoplastic form and the dimensions can be different depending on the area affected and the diagnosis may also depend on the predisposition and the family history of the subject.
Fibroma, therefore, is a very generic term and can take different connotations based on the subject and the type of fibroma.
Interventions and drugs
Given the variety of fibroids, the therapies are multiple and diversified according to the severity of the disorder; in general, the therapies that can be considered are surgical removal, drug treatment and embolization.
As for the pharmacological treatment, in most cases, the patient does not experience a complete cure; drugs (anti-inflammatory, anti-haemorrhagic, hormone-based therapy) can help to alleviate symptoms but cannot eliminate the neoplasm.
Surgery is only useful in some cases, but it remains the priority choice for women in the fertile period. If the fibroma affects the uterus, surgical therapy does not compromise reproductive activity. The most severe cases of uterine fibroma may require total removal of the uterus. Last but not least, embolization is another very effective therapeutic method in eliminating neoplasia: it is a minimally invasive technique, performed with local anesthesia, able to definitively eliminate not only the typical symptoms of a benign tumor (eg bleeding or pain in the case of uterine neoplasms), but also the fibroma itself.
Summary
To fix the concepts ...
Neoplasia | fibroma | |
features | Tumor affecting fibrous connective tissue | |
Incidence | In particular it occurs in children, but it also affects adults | |
Areas affected | Fibroids affect every area of the body, particularly intestines, stomach, uterus, ovaries, skin, bones | |
Malignant transformation | Fibrosarcoma | |
Consistency | Hard (cutaneous fibroids) or soft (axillary, inguinal and neck fibroids) | |
Uterine fibroid classification |
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General classification |
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| Therapies to eliminate the fibroid | Surgery embolization Pharmacological treatment | |
