Summary about Disease
A fibroepithelial polyp is a benign (non-cancerous) skin growth. It is a common lesion consisting of a core of fibrous tissue covered by epithelium (the outer layer of skin). They are typically small, soft, and flesh-colored or slightly darker than the surrounding skin. While harmless, they can sometimes be bothersome depending on their location and size. They are also known by several other names, including skin tags, acrochordons, and soft fibromas.
Symptoms
Small, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growth on the skin.
Typically pedunculated (attached by a stalk).
Usually painless.
May be irritated by clothing or jewelry, leading to redness, itching, or bleeding.
Sizes vary from a few millimeters to a centimeter or more.
Commonly found in skin folds like the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids.
Causes
The exact cause of fibroepithelial polyps is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute:
Friction: Skin rubbing against skin, or clothing, is a likely contributing factor, especially in areas like skin folds.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy can increase the likelihood of developing skin tags.
Insulin resistance and obesity: Studies have linked skin tags to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and obesity.
Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to developing skin tags.
Age: More common in older adults.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Some research suggests a possible link, but it's not definitively established.
Medicine Used
There are no specific medications to prevent or treat fibroepithelial polyps directly. Treatment focuses on removal if the polyp is bothersome. Common removal methods include:
Surgical Excision: Cutting the skin tag off with a scalpel.
Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag off with liquid nitrogen.
Electrocautery: Burning the skin tag off with an electric current.
Ligation: Tying off the base of the skin tag with surgical thread to cut off its blood supply.
Topical Creams: Some over the counter and prescription medication are used to remove them, but are not usually very effective.
Is Communicable
No, fibroepithelial polyps are not contagious. They cannot be spread from person to person through contact.
Precautions
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to increased risk.
Manage insulin resistance: If you have insulin resistance or diabetes, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar levels.
Avoid friction: Wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize skin rubbing.
Don't try to remove them yourself: Attempting to cut or burn off skin tags at home can lead to infection, scarring, or bleeding. See a doctor for safe removal.
How long does an outbreak last?
Fibroepithelial polyps do not "outbreak" in the traditional sense of an infectious disease. They are individual growths that can appear over time. Once a polyp is present, it will remain until it is removed. New polyps may appear at any time depending on the contributing factors.
How is it diagnosed?
Visual Examination: A doctor can usually diagnose a fibroepithelial polyp simply by looking at it.
Dermatoscopy: A dermatoscope (a magnifying lens with a light) may be used to examine the growth more closely.
Biopsy: Rarely, a biopsy may be performed if the diagnosis is uncertain or if there are suspicious features.
Timeline of Symptoms
There isn't a specific "timeline" of symptoms as fibroepithelial polyps develop gradually.
Initial Stage: A small, barely noticeable bump may appear.
Growth: The bump slowly grows larger over time. This can take weeks, months, or even years.
Stable Stage: The polyp reaches a certain size and may remain stable for a long period.
Irritation/Inflammation (Optional): If irritated, it may become red, itchy, or bleed.
Important Considerations
Fibroepithelial polyps are almost always benign. However, any new or changing skin growth should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out other conditions.
Removal is usually for cosmetic reasons or to alleviate irritation. It is not medically necessary.
Removal methods can sometimes cause minor scarring or pigmentation changes.
Having many skin tags can sometimes be associated with underlying medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome or Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, so your doctor might recommend further evaluation.