Dermatofibroma

Dermatotofibromas are common benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions, often seen on the legs of adults.

They vary in size and colour, but most are pink to tan brown and are approximately the size of the tip of a pencil eraser or a pea. They are located deep within the skin and when pinched, create an indent called the “button-hole sign”.

Dermatofibromas are thought to be a result of trauma to the skin (like an insect bite), and usually a cause is not identified.

Unless the dermatofibroma is raised and being traumatised, for example, with hair removal, they do not need to be removed.

Malignant (cancerous) types of dermatofibromas are very rare.

If you, or someone you know, have a lump or bump on your skin that is new, growing or changing, we recommend it be assessed to rule out skin cancer.