Fibrous papule

LAST UPDATED: Nov 22, 2021

Introduction

A fibrous papule is a common benign lesion, usually of the nose, that arises mainly in young adults and remains unchanged throughout life.

This chapter is set out as follows:

Clinical findings
Images
Management

Clinical findings

Distribution

Usually solitary
Normally the nose but occasionally other parts of the face

Morphology

Skin colour
Often less than 5 mm in diameter
A dome-shaped, shiny papule
Palpation - smooth and firm
Differential diagnoses - includes a benign melanocytic naevus and occasionally an early BCC, the latter will continue to grow slowly and has characteristic dermoscopic features

Clinical Images

Please refer to notes on image rights at bottom of the page with regards to individual image ownership.

Management

Treatment is not necessary
Lesions can be removed for cosmetic purposes by way of shave excision, and sent for histology

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Image Rights - The PCDS would like to thank Dermatoweb, DermQuest (Galderma), and others who have contributed images. All named individuals and organisations maintain copyright for the relevant images.