Fibrinoma is a benign dermatological lesion of a neoplastic nature. Most often it manifests itself on the surface of the skin all over the body as small lumps or protrusions. Occasionally, fibromas can also arise in the mouth. Are such changes dangerous? How should they be treated and can they be prevented?

Fibromas located in the mouthlook slightly different from those on the outer surfaces of the body. They are usually round nodules about 10-15 mm in diameter, with a smooth surface and a color similar to the mucosal epithelium. It is usually located on the inside of the cheeks, lower lip, less often on the tip or on the side of the tongue.

What are fibroids?

Fibromas (Latin fibroma) originate from connective tissue, formed during excessive division of fibroblasts, producing, among others, collagen and elastin. They belong to the benign neoplastic changes of the skin.

In appearance, these changes most often resemble a small spot or lump in the color of the epidermis. They usually occur in adults, in various parts of the body, and range in size from a few millimeters to 1.5 centimeters. Dermatologists distinguish two basic types of fibromas:

  • soft fibromas(also known as dermal fibromas) - usually take the form of a small, several millimeter nodule, with a loose, loose structure and folded surface, suspended on a narrow peduncle. Under pressure, they can be relatively easily "introduced" under the skin surface. Such birthmarks are also calledhanging fibromas . They are most often located in areas of the body where the skin is exposed to chronic irritation, such as the nape of the neck, armpits or the neck, but also in the bends of the elbows, under the knees or in the groin. They can also appear in groups from a few to a dozen or so in one area.
  • hard fibromas(so-called subcutaneous) - unlike dermal fibromas, these are slightly larger lesions (about 3 to 10 mm in diameter), with the appearance of a brown, convex nodule. When compressed, they may slide under the surface of the skin or shrink slightly. They are most often found singly, mainly on the legs or arms. It is suspected that their formation is related to mechanical trauma or persistent inflammation of the hair follicle (e.g. after an insect bite orcut after shaving).

Fibromas may appear at any stage of life, although they will be more common in the elderly. Their amount may also be related to the metabolic disorders (the so-called metabolic syndrome) and hormonal disorders in pregnant women.

Oral fibroma - causes

The epithelium lining our mouth, although biologically adapted to regular exfoliation and self-renewing, can undergo many micro-injuries and chronic inflammation.

Sometimes a long-term healing erosion or aphtha, with closer diagnosis by a dentist, may turn out to be a fibroma.

These types of lesions usually don't bleed, hurt, and develop relatively slowly. Oral fibroids are believed to have a typically post-traumatic basis, i.e. they arise as a result of regular mechanical irritation of a given area of ​​the epithelium.

The most common causes of damage to the oral mucosa include, for example:

  • sharp fragments of the braces,
  • sharp edges of teeth,
  • improperly fitted dentures,
  • improperly placed dental filling,
  • nervously biting the cheek (e.g. during stress).

Oral fibroma - diagnosis

Regular visits to the dentist play a key role in the diagnosis of changes in the oral cavity. A specialist will be able to distinguish between mild irritation and changes that could herald a more serious illness.

Any difficult-to-heal wounds, ulcers or growths must be carefully controlled as they may be the nuclei of other types of cancer, such as granulomas, myxomas, and even mouth cancer.

In modern dental offices, the condition of the oral mucosa is assessed using the Oralitest.

The device used in this technique generates a fluorescent light source that highlights pathological changes in the form of a dark, irregular area, clearly separating from the he althy tissue.

Thanks to this, the doctor may notice even several millimeter-long lumps that can transform into a tumor over time.

The Oralitest test is extremely fast (takes about 5 minutes), safe and can provide invaluable support in the diagnosis and differentiation of suspected lesions in the oral cavity, including fibroids.

Oral fibroma - treatment

If a fibroma is diagnosed, should it be removed? Most often it will not be necessary. However, the patient should observe the change regularly. The surface of the fibroma present should not be used intensivelyirritation, for example by brushing or flossing, it is recommended to use milder rinsing liquids.

In some cases, however, the nodule may be in an area exposed to constant irritation (e.g. the tongue) or there may be inflammation around it, which may increase the development of the neoplastic process and the growth of the neoplasm.

In such a situation, it is recommended to perform a biopsy, i.e. collecting a fragment of epithelial tissue and further referral for histopathological examination. This action is necessary because both benign and clinical malignant neoplasms may look very similar and without a detailed assessment of the condition and appearance of the cells under a microscope, it will be difficult to distinguish them.

At a later stage, fibromas are most often surgically removed under local anesthesia. If there are no indications of an oncological nature, the procedure can be performed in a dentist's office.

Other types of surgical procedures used are electrosurgery (using the so-called electric surgical knife) and cryotherapy (i.e. freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen).

A relatively new method of treating fibromas, currently used in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, is the use of a CO2 fractional laser. The electromagnetic waves generated by the laser are absorbed by the water molecules in the skin.

Instantly heated water (due to a photothermal reaction) evaporates, leaving a network of microscopic columns in the skin.

Additionally, the laser emits a stream of carbon dioxide, the purpose of which is to improve the blood supply and nourishment of the tissue, and thus - better wound regeneration. Contrary to surgical interventions, this procedure leaves no scars and practically no pain.

Oral fibrosis - prophylaxis

Oral fibromas, although classified as neoplastic lesions, are benign nodules and should not be feared.

Nevertheless, in some cases their appearance and specific location may be associated with discomfort and difficulties in daily activities (such as biting or dental hygiene).

First of all, avoid irritation within the mouth. For this purpose, it is necessary to smooth or modify all sharp fragments of the surface of teeth, crowns or fillings. During the daily brushing of teeth, we should also avoid brushes with too hard bristles.

It is also worth paying attention to the habits of involuntarily biting the gums or lips, for example in sleep, which can be minimized by appropriate relaxation techniques or activityphysical. Some research findings also show an association between smoking and the formation of fibroids.

Undoubtedly, the substances contained in cigarette smoke delay the healing of inflammations and cause periodontal diseases. They also contribute to a significant increase in the risk of oral cancer. Therefore, quitting smoking will be the best investment in the he alth of our teeth and gums.

Category:

Oncology