Fibrous papule of the nose

Fibrous papule of the nose is a harmless small bump on or near the nose. It is typically dome-shaped, skin-colored, white or reddish, smooth and firm.^[1][2] Less frequently it can occur elsewhere on the face.^[3] Sometimes there are a few.^[1] It may be shiny and remains unchanged for life. There may be a central hair.^[3]

Fibrous papule of the nose
Other names	Benign solitary fibrous papule, fibrous papule of the face[1]
Fibrous papule of the nose
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Persistent, usually solitary, unchanging, small, shiny, smooth, firm bump on or near nose[1]
Usual onset	Young adult[2]
Duration	Permanent[2]
Causes	Unknown,[3] originates in dermal dendrocyte[4]
Diagnostic method	Appearance, skin biopsy, histopathology[3]
Differential diagnosis	Benign melanocytic naevus, early BCC[2]
Treatment	Usually none, shave excision,[2] electrosurgery[3]
Prognosis	Harmless, longlasting,[2] recurrence rare[1]
Frequency	Common[4]

The precise cause is unknown.^[3] It is a type of angiofibroma which originates in a dendrocyte in skin.^[4]

It is common, usually appearing in young adults and then remaining permanent.^[2][4]

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis is by visualisation, skin biopsy or histopathology of one that has been surgically cut out.^[2] Histopathology shows fibroblasts, fibrotic stroma, and large blood vessels.^[3] It can appear similar to a benign melanocytic naevus or an early BCC.^[2] It may be mistaken for a nevocytic nevus, neurofibroma, and pyogenic granuloma. The presence of several should alert to seeking for other signs of tuberous sclerosis.^[1]

Usually no treatment is necessary. Treatments for cosmetic reasons include shave excision^[2] and electrosurgery.^[3] Following treatment, recurrence is rare.^[1]

See also

• Skin lesion