What Are the Different Types of Fibromas?

Fibromas, also known as fibroid tumors, fibroids, and fibromatous or fibroblastic tumores, can be found in all organs. Common benign fibroid tumors are classified as hard, soft, or uterine. Other types of fibroid tumors exist but do not fall into one of these groups, are often found in other areas or organs. In some cases, the cells in a fibroid tumor can be cancerous. The tumor is then classified as a fibrosarcoma.

Connective, or fibrous, tissue is the structure that forms the benign fibromas. Mesenchyme tissue, a type of connective tissue found in a fibroma, contains cells that are loose instead of compressed. This tissue can also form cartilage, standard connective tissue, and help develop the lymphatic and circulatory systems. When this form of tissue remains fibrous, a fibroma is more likely to develop.

Hard fibroid tumors, called fibroma durum, are comprised of more fibers with fewer cells. The extra fibers make the tumors much harder than other types. They are most commonly found in the jaw or mouth. In many cases, tumors form between the teeth and jaw bone and may also be accompanied by calcified tissue that closely resembles the consistency of bone.

Soft fibromas, called fibroma molle, contain more cells that are loosely connected and not as many fibers. These tumors have a shaft. They most commonly occur on the neck, skin, armpit, and groin areas where the skin rubs together.

Uterine fibroids grow in the uterine wall, partially in the uterine cavity and outside the uterine wall. This type of tumor is the most common for women. Most fibroid uterine tumors go undetected unless they lead to problems and complications. Problematic tumors can cause abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility.

Other types of fibroid tumors are classified by their location, similar to the way uterine fibroid tumors are classified. These tumors can be found on or in any organ. Examples include fibroid tumors of the nasal passage, lungs, and ovaries.

Many fibromas do not cause symptoms, and they generally go undetected until problems do occur. Doctors may decide to biopsy a fibroma that is discovered to determine if it is benign. For those that are problematic, surgery is often recommended to remove the tumor. Cancerous fibroid tumors are almost always removed, except in cases where removing the fibroma would be life-threatening.

The surgery performed to remove fibromas is done on a same day outpatient basis. For more complicated removals, a prolonged hospital stay may be necessary. Regardless of how long the hospital stay will be, recovery from the surgery is going to take time.

Initially, the patient will have limitations on activity levels. The doctors will provide post-operative care instructions, and follow up appointments are required. Healing progress is checked and the patient is monitored for signs of infection, including fever and redness around the incision. In instances of cancerous fibroids, further treatment and monitoring is necessary to ensure the fibroids do not regrow.