A dermatofibroma is a firm, fleshy skin growth that most commonly appears on the lower legs of adults. They are usually less than 1cm across. The cause is not clear, but it is sometimes thought they can result from insect bites or other minor trauma. They do not tend to resolve on their own.
Like all skin growths, it is important to have them checked by an expert to make sure that they are truly a dermatofibroma, and not a more worrying cancerous growth. They are easily identified under the dermatoscope to the expert eye, and dermoscopy is included in all our consultations where needed.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, it is a matter of patient choice whether to treat them or not. The NHS will not offer removal for cosmetic reasons; we are pleased to be able to offer the option of treatment for those who would like it.
If a growth appears to be high-risk for cancer, we do not offer treatment, but support urgent referral back to NHS cancer specialists.
This involves the tissue being sent to a specialist laboratory and checked for any cancerous cells. While it is possible to rule out cancer by examination with the dermatoscope in most cases, it is also possible to be caught out, and this is not an area where we are prepared to cut corners. If a cancer is inadvertently removed, we can arrange immediate referral to NHS cancer specialists.
Both of the techniques which we offer allow full laboratory analysis of the tissue which has been removed. Treatments such as freezing (cryotherapy) or burning (with a laser or hyfrecator) destroy the tissue and histology is not possible. We advise caution of any technique which does not allow this vital safety step.
The site will be covered with a waterproof dressing and needs to be kept dry for five days. This procedure will result in a linear scar, which usually fades to a thin white line.
It will be important to minimise any activity which may stress the wound closure, for a period of two weeks.
The cost of a consultation is £100. Unlike some clinics, we do not bundle this in with the cost of mole removal, as we believe it is important to offer our patients a no-pressure, personalised consultation with our experienced doctor. As the cost of the consultation has been paid in full, there is never any pressure or expectation for patients to have a procedure, when sometimes, reassurance or advice is all that is needed.
The cost of a dermatofibroma excision is £350. The cost of removing a second or subsequent lesion during the same appointment is £250.
Histology (lab analysis of the mole we have removed) is charged at £95 per sample. We pass this cost straight on from our laboratory partners with no markup.
