What is a pendulous fibroma
Pendulous fibroids are pedunculate skin growths that extend outwards; they are also called "acrochordon" or, more improperly, "leeks". Pendulous fibroids originate in the dermis, the layer that underlies the epidermis: in general, the pendulous fibroids have very small dimensions, but they could extend up to a few centimeters in diameter and appear unsightly, as well as annoying. When pendulous fibroids have a remarkable development, they can hang down due to gravitational force: in this regard, these fibroids have been called "pendulous".
Location and incidence
Pendulous fibroids can localize in every area of the body, but generally they occur in the axillae, the neck, the groin and the upper eyelids: it is no coincidence that the areas most affected by these fibroids are precisely those subject to stress continuous. Similarly, due to the greater rubbing surface, obese people can manifest pendulous fibroids more easily than normal-weight subjects.
It is rare for pendulous fibroids to appear in infants and young people: in general, they develop for the first time around the age of 40-50, both in men and women.
Signs and symptoms
To learn more: Symptoms Fibroids Penduli »
Pendulous fibroids represent a very common skin disorder, which does not cause any symptoms; evolution proceeds slowly but progressively. Pendulous fibroids, in general, have a pigmentation similar to that of the skin (normal-pigmented pendulous fibroids), or they may have a slightly darker pigmentation.
Causes
Just like many benign cutaneous affections, the main cause that causes pendulous fibroids, with the exception of cutaneous rubbing, is doubtful: obviously, genetic predisposition always plays a role of fundamental importance, since often the children of parents suffering from hanging fibroids manifest the same growths at the level of the skin. In some rare cases a correlation has been recorded between the onset of pendulous fibroids and an acute inflammatory process. They are not contagious, nor can they develop into a malignant tumor.
Given the benign nature of pendulous fibroids, many studies on etiological research have not been carried out, so the causes that cause them remain unrecognized. However, a hypothesis was formulated according to which pendulous fibroids would also be influenced by hormones: in fact, if men and women can manifest pendulous fibroids with the same probability until the age of 50, after this age a more high incidence rate in women (possible role of menopause). This hypothesis, however, has not yet been effectively demonstrated.
Drooping fibroid detachment
As already mentioned, pendulous fibroids do not involve any problem of medical interest; however, if the fibroids reach considerable size and protrude from the skin by a few millimeters, they may bleed when irritated, struck, or caught between clothes or between jewels. It is common to find a total or partial detachment of the pendulous fibroid following a consistent trauma, with a consequent bleeding wound: in this case, the risk of bacterial infection increases.
Fibroids can be confused for nevi, but while the latter can degenerate into malignant forms, fibroids remain harmless.
Removal of pendulous fibroid
The dermatologist generally advises to remove the most exposed pendulous fibroids - therefore more at risk of bleeding - or which develop at the level of the eyelids (since they could cloud the sight).
The clinical and therapeutic course is extremely simple and involves the removal of the pendulous fibroid without anesthesia, since the excision does not cause pain. Removal is performed in the clinic, blocking the fibroid with forceps; after which the doctor proceeds to "tear" him upwards with the help of a surgical scalpel. Often times, the treated area bleeds: the bleeding is then blocked with an electrosurgery or a hemostatic.
With one session even more pendulous fibroids can be eliminated and complete healing takes place in a few days, leaving no traces and scars. Laser and electrocoagulation can also be decisive treatments: in these cases, however, it is likely that the removal of pendulous fibroids will cause scarring.
Summary
To fix the concepts ...
| Disorder | Pendulous fibromas |
Description | Normo-pigmented pedunculate skin growths, which extend outwards |
Synonyms | Acrochordon or, more improperly, leeks |
dimensions | Pendulous fibroids can measure a few millimeters or a few centimeters and stretch downward due to gravity |
Damage | Purely aesthetic: they do not evolve into a malignant tumor |
Areas affected | Groin, armpits, eyelids, neck |
Incidence | Men and women over 40 |
Causes | Genetic predisposition, possible hormonal findings (high frequency in menopausal women). Possible correlation with obesity and rubbing of the skin |
Removal of hanging fibroids | Surgical excision without anesthesia Laser Electrocoagulation |
