A fibroblastoma is a rare, soft tissue tumor characterized by painless nodules in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
Understanding Fibroblastoma
Fibroblastomas, while uncommon, are important to understand due to their potential for recurrence, even though they do not metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). Let's delve into more detail about this type of tumor:
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Definition: According to the provided reference, a fibroblastoma (pronounced JY-unt sel FY-broh-blas-TOH-muh) is a "rare type of soft tissue tumor marked by painless nodules in the dermis (the inner layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin) and subcutaneous (beneath the skin) tissue."
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Location: These tumors typically appear within the skin (dermis) and the tissue underneath the skin (subcutaneous).
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Symptoms: The primary symptom is the presence of painless nodules.
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Behavior: While fibroblastomas are generally benign (non-cancerous), they have a tendency to recur locally after surgical removal. This means that the tumor may grow back in the same area. It is important to note that fibroblastomas "do not spread to other parts of the body." This is a critical aspect that differentiates them from malignant tumors.
Key Characteristics in a Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Soft tissue tumor |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Location | Dermis (inner layer of skin) and subcutaneous tissue (beneath the skin) |
| Symptoms | Painless nodules |
| Metastasis | Does not spread to other parts of the body |
| Recurrence | May recur locally after surgery |
