fibroepithelial polyp

Definition: Epithelial polyps are common fibroepithelial protuberant neoplasms that occur with advancing age predominantly on the trunk, head, and neck.

The fibroepithelial polyp is perhaps the most common cutaneous neoplasm. Variously termed skin tag, acrochordon, and squamous papilloma (a misnomer in that these are polypoid and formed by epithelial and stromal components, not simply papillary epithelial lesions), these neoplasms commonly occur with advancing age on the trunk, axilla, head, and neck skin.

Clinically they are sessile or pedunculated, soft, flesh-colored tumors that grow slowly and present predominantly cosmetic problems. Eruptive fibroepithelial polyps have been associated with the acute onset of other benign epidermal neoplasms (e.g., seborrheic keratoses), a presumed consequence of production of epidermal growth factors by internal or unrelated primary cutaneous neoplasia. (AFIP)

Synopsis

 hyperplastic epidermis with hyperpapillomatosis, hyperkeratosis, and acanthosis
 loosely arranged collagen fibers and many capillaries
 mantle of variably reactive epidermis covering a protuberant fibrovascular core
 in the core, mature adipose tissue and occasionally nerve fibers

Clinical differential diagnosis

 polypoidal types of malignant melanoma
 neurofibromas
 polypoid dermal nevi
 pedunculated hemangiomas

Differential diagnosis

 soft fibroma
 accessory tragus
 polypoid seborrheic keratosis

Associations

 BHD syndrome with fibrofolliculoma and trichodiscoma
 type 2 diabetes mellitus

Links

 http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic606.htm