Fibroma

Overview

A fibroma is a benign, or non-cancerous, growth made up of fibrous (connective) tissue. Fibromas can occur almost anywhere in the body, including the skin, mouth, soles of the feet, tendons, and internal organs. They are usually firm, slow-growing, and harmless, though they can cause discomfort depending on where they are located.

Because "fibroma" is a broad term, it covers several specific conditions, such as oral fibromas inside the mouth, plantar fibromas on the sole of the foot, and skin growths often called fibrous papules or soft fibromas (skin tags). Most fibromas are not dangerous and do not turn into cancer, but a lump should still be checked to confirm what it is.

Symptoms

Fibromas vary in appearance depending on type and location, but they commonly share these features:

• A firm, well-defined lump or nodule
• Skin-colored, pink, or slightly darker surface
• Slow growth over months to years
• Usually painless, though pressure or friction can cause discomfort

Specific types have their own signs: an oral fibroma appears as a smooth bump inside the cheek, lip, or tongue, often where there is repeated biting; a plantar fibroma forms a firm nodule in the arch of the foot that can hurt when standing or walking. Most fibromas do not bleed, ulcerate, or grow rapidly; changes like these should be evaluated.

Causes

The exact cause of many fibromas is not fully understood, but they form when fibrous connective tissue cells multiply more than normal. Contributing factors depend on the type:

• Repeated irritation or trauma: Oral fibromas often arise from ongoing friction, such as cheek biting or rubbing from dentures.
• Genetic tendency: Some fibromas, including plantar fibromas, run in families.
• Local tissue response: A fibroma may form as an overgrowth following minor injury or inflammation.

In most cases a fibroma is an isolated, benign overgrowth rather than a sign of a wider disease.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing a fibroma include:

• Chronic irritation of a particular area (for example, ill-fitting dentures or habitual cheek biting for oral fibromas)
• A family history of certain fibromas
• Previous injury to the area
• Increasing age, as some skin fibromas become more common over time

Risk factors differ widely by fibroma type, and many people develop one without any identifiable cause.

Diagnosis

A clinician usually diagnoses a fibroma by examining the lump and noting its firmness, location, and slow growth. Additional steps may include:

• A review of any history of irritation, trauma, or family lumps
• Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI for deeper fibromas, for example in the foot, to assess size and location
• A biopsy, in which a tissue sample is examined under a microscope, when the diagnosis is uncertain or to confirm the growth is benign

Confirming that a lump is a benign fibroma reassures both patient and clinician and helps rule out other types of growth.

Treatment

Many fibromas need no treatment if they are small, painless, and not bothersome. When treatment is wanted, options include:

• Observation: Monitoring a stable, harmless fibroma over time.
• Surgical removal (excision): The most definitive treatment, used for fibromas that are painful, growing, interfering with function, or cosmetically unwanted.
• Addressing the cause: Adjusting dentures or stopping cheek biting can prevent oral fibromas from recurring.
• Conservative measures: For plantar fibromas, padding, orthotics, or physical therapy may relieve pressure; injections or surgery are considered for persistent pain.

Removed fibromas are often sent to a laboratory to confirm they are benign. Some types, especially plantar fibromas, can return after removal.

Prevention

Not all fibromas can be prevented, but you can reduce some types by limiting irritation:

• Address habits like cheek or lip biting
• Ensure dentures and dental appliances fit well
• Wear properly fitting footwear and use supportive insoles if prone to foot fibromas
• Protect areas of skin from repeated friction or injury

Because many fibromas have no clear preventable cause, regular self-examination and prompt evaluation of any new lump remain the best approach.

When to See a Doctor

See a healthcare provider if you notice a new lump, even if it seems harmless, so it can be properly identified. Seek evaluation more urgently if a growth:

• Grows quickly or becomes large
• Becomes painful, red, or ulcerated
• Bleeds or changes color
• Interferes with eating, walking, or movement

While most fibromas are benign, these features can indicate another type of growth that needs further testing. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether removal is appropriate.

Related Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. American Academy of Dermatology.
3. Mayo Clinic.