Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors made of fibrous connective tissue — tissue made of tough protein fibers that protect and support muscles, bones, organs, and other body tissues.
Some fibroids, such as those on the skin or feet, may appear as a firm lump on or under the skin. Most people with fibroids have no symptoms, but some may experience discomfort, pain, tenderness, or itching.
Most fibroids are harmless and do not require treatment. Medical procedures and surgeries are available to safely remove fibroids for symptomatic or bothersome fibroids.
There are many types of fibroids. Their classification depends on which part of the body they develop and their characteristics. Common types include:
- Plant fibroma: This small, slow-growing fibroma develops on the arch of the foot, between the heel and the fat pad under the toes.
- Oral fibroma: Also known as irritant or traumatic fibroids, oral fibroids develop inside the mouth, on the lining of the cheeks, tongue, or inner lips.
- Dermatofibroma: These smooth, firm nodules (bumps) that may appear pink, brown, reddish, or skin-colored can usually develop on the arms and legs.
- angiofibroma: Made up of blood vessels and fibrous connective tissue, these are small, red bumps that usually appear on the face, especially on the cheeks and nose.
- Uterine fibroids: These non-cancerous tumors grow inside the uterine wall, sometimes causing heavy bleeding or pelvic pain.
- Non-ossifying fibroma: This benign bone tumor, which is common in children and people under the age of 20, usually develops in the bones of the leg (eg, the femur).
While most fibroids go unnoticed, all types can cause symptoms such as:
- Lumps or bumps: Depending on the location of the fibroid, you may notice a noticeable lump or bump on or under the skin. Dermatofibromas are visible bumps on the skin.
- pain: Fibroids can cause tenderness, pain, or discomfort, especially if they press on nerves or irritate surrounding tissues. Plantar fibroids can cause pain when walking, and people with non-ossifying fibroids can feel pain in the affected leg during physical activities.
- bleeding: Certain fibroids, such as dermatofibromas, may bleed when picked or due to physical trauma (eg, a blow to the face). Uterine fibroids can cause uterine bleeding between menstrual cycles and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Depending on the size and location of the fibroid, symptoms may be more noticeable. The more specific symptoms you experience may depend on the type of fibroid.
Symptoms of plantar fibroma
Plantar fibroids develop on the arch of the foot and can cause pain when pressure is applied to the fibroid – for example when walking or wearing shoes. The lump can grow over time.
Oral fibroma symptoms
Oral fibroids can cause a small, firm lump to form in the mouth. A lump can cause pain, especially if you accidentally bite or rub your teeth against it.
Symptoms of dermatofibroma
A dermatofibroma can be a small or large lump on the skin. The middle can be indented, like a dimple. The changed lump may be tender to the touch. It can also be itchy.
Symptoms of angiofibroma
These discolored bumps or spots on the face are usually on the cheeks and nose. When a large angiofibroma is inside the nasal cavity, it can obstruct your airway and make it difficult for you to breathe.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids that grow inside the walls of the uterus can cause symptoms such as:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Breakthrough bleeding, which is bleeding between periods
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Painful sex
- Frequent urination due to additional pressure on the bladder
Symptoms of non-ossifying fibroids
Non-ossifying fibroids often cause no symptoms. When symptoms develop, they may include:
- Pain in the affected bone during physical activity
- Swelling and tenderness in the skin covering the affected bone
- Constant dull pain in the affected leg, even when resting
Fibroids develop due to excessive growth of fibrous connective tissue. The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood. Several factors can contribute to the development of fibroids, including:
- genetics: Some fibroids are associated with inherited genetic conditions that increase the likelihood of developing growths (eg, Gardner’s syndrome).
- Trauma or irritation: Repeated stress or injury to a part of the body, such as the feet or mouth, can cause fibroids to form.
- Hormones: Female sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, play a role in the development of uterine fibroids.
Some fibroids can develop due to uncontrolled cell division. The cells in your body are constantly growing and dividing, forming new cells. As new cells form, old cells die. Fibroids can develop when new cells form, but old cells do not die. New, extra cells continue to divide and can form a fibroma.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop fibroids, although certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing one or more.
One risk factor is genetics. A family history of fibroids or related genetic conditions can increase the chance of developing fibroids.
Another risk factor is age. While fibroids can appear at any age, some types are more common during certain stages of life. Non-ossifying fibroids are most common in people 20 years of age or younger, while dermatofibromas are most common in women 20-50 years of age.
Diagnosis of fibroids involves a physical examination and imaging tests. Your doctor will also likely ask about your symptoms and review your personal and family medical history.
During a physical exam, your doctor will feel for lumps or masses in the area of the suspected fibroid.
Your healthcare provider may order imaging scans and other diagnostic tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, confirm the presence of a fibroid, and determine its exact size and location. These tests may include:
- ultrasound: It uses sound waves to create detailed images of structures inside the body, helping to visualize and measure fibroids
- x-ray: It takes detailed pictures of dense structures in the body, including bones, to help diagnose non-ossifying fibroids
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: Creates detailed 3D cross-sectional images of internal organs, soft tissues and bones to help distinguish fibroids from other growths
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It provides highly detailed images of soft tissues and bones to distinguish fibroids from other tumors
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue from the fibroid that is sent to a lab for testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes
In many cases, especially asymptomatic fibroids, no treatment is needed. Health care providers may recommend regular monitoring to monitor for changes in the size or symptoms of fibroids that are not causing symptoms.
For symptomatic fibroids, different treatment approaches can help reduce or prevent symptoms or remove the fibroids.
Non-surgical procedures
Noninvasive medical procedures that can effectively remove some types of fibroids include:
- Cryotherapy: For this, liquid nitrogen is applied to the dermatofibroma to reduce its size or completely remove it. In people with darker skin tones, cryotherapy can cause long-term skin discoloration in the affected area.
- Radiotherapy: Targeted radiation can reduce or permanently remove plantar fibroids.
- Uterine artery embolization: This procedure involves injecting tiny particles into the blood vessels that supply blood to the uterus, cutting off blood flow to uterine fibroids and causing them to shrink.
- myolysis: A needle is inserted into the myoma of the uterus, and electric currents or freezing (cryotherapy) destroy the fibroids.
Surgery
Surgical removal is often considered the most effective treatment for fibroids that cause significant pain, interfere with daily activities, or pose a risk of complications. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the fibroid.
One common surgical option is excision, where the fibroid is completely removed using surgical tools such as a scalpel. Another typical surgical option is laser surgery, where a laser removes or shrinks the fibroid. Laser is best for skin fibroids that are not that deep or large.
Medicines
Medicines are not necessary for most fibroids, but they can help treat uterine fibroids. Prescription medications for uterine fibroids include:
- Hormonal drugs: Hormonal oral contraceptives, hormone injections, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) can help shrink fibroids or control heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Tranexamic acid: Oral medication can help control heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Pain relievers: Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen), can help control the pain and cramping associated with uterine fibroids.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent most fibroids from developing. Researchers are still working to understand the exact causes, making it a challenge to identify specific preventative measures. You can reduce your risk of developing oral fibroids by avoiding biting your inner lips, tongue, and cheeks.
They are fibroids benign tumors and generally do not cause serious complications. Some untreated fibroids can lead to problems such as:
- Avoiding activities: Large fibroids or those in areas that experience a lot of pressure, such as plantar fibroids, can cause pain and discomfort during physical activities such as standing, walking, or playing sports. This may lead you to avoid these activities.
- Nerve compression: Fibroids growing near nerves can cause nerve compression, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
- Pressure or obstruction: Depending on the location, fibroids can compress surrounding structures. For example, a uterine fibroid can lead to problems such as urgency.
- Anemia: Uterine fibroids can cause bleeding so heavy that anemia develops. Anemia develops when you don’t have enough red blood cells, causing symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.
- infertility: In some cases, uterine fibroids can block the fallopian tubes or interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that can develop almost anywhere on the skin or in the body. While many fibroids cause no symptoms, some may cause pain, pressure, bleeding, or itching. What causes fibroids is not well established, but genetic factors likely play a role.
Health care professionals diagnose fibroids through a physical examination and imaging tests. Treatment options depend on the location and size of the fibroid and may include medication to manage symptoms, medical procedures to shrink the fibroid, or surgery to remove the fibroid.
If you are concerned about a lump or growth, see your doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.