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Dermatofibromas Research Paper

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DERMATOFIBROMAS

Overview
Dermatofibromas (also known as Fibrous histiocytoma and Fibroma simplex, Nodular subepidermal fibrosis, Sclerosing hemangioma), are common noncancerous (benign) small skin growths. Dermatofibromas are typically detected on the arms and legs. Other common areas are located on breast, face and hands. This growth is usually a benign, single structure that resembles a nipple. Its appearance can be discolored and contains hard, scar-like tissue. A minor injury such as an insect bite, puncture or most recently discovered arsenic, can result in the formation of a dermatofibroma. These growths or nodes only can be found on humans and have not been reported or found other animals. It is estimated that only 1:10 women …show more content…

Arsenic is rapidly cleared from the body and often is undetectable after only a few hours. However, continuous exposure to arsenic can result in severe poisoning and multiple organ involvement. Arsenic is one of the most common pollutants and contamination of food and water is widespread and consumption is significant. Recent studies have linked a correlation between dermatofibromas and arsenic. One study suggested that the combination of dermatofibromas and arsenic caused the development of breast cancer. However, the exact cause in development of dermatofibroma is unknown but damage to the endothelial cells is commonly caused by arsenic exposure. Instead of the arsenic being excreted in eccrine glands, arsenic becomes deposited in a concentrated area of the body and built over a period of time causes the growth and development of …show more content…

Due to its physical characteristics (no odor, no color, and no flavor), arsenic exposure is often unnoticed, especially when ingested through drinking water. Therefore, the key to prevention of Dermatofibroma is understand the risk factors whether environment such as chronic arsenic exposure due to the ingestion of naturally-contaminated water, groundwater contamination due to leaching of arsenic from rocks and soil frequently results in concentrations above 50 mcg/L, which are associated with carcinogenesis in humans. Occupational exposure via inhalation of arsenic-containing vapors occurs during smelting, mining, refining, electroplating, and manufacturing of decorative-glass, pesticides, gallium arsenide computer microchips, and pressure-treated wood. Documented regions with natural groundwater arsenic contamination include Millard County, Utah; Lane County, Oregon; Lassen County, California; Fallon, Nevada; Fairbanks, Alaska; and New Hampshire, also persons living in the southwestern United States are at higher risk for being exposed to elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water. (Sarina B Elmariah MD PhD, Robert Anolik MD, Ruth F Walters MD, Karla Rosenman MD, Miriam K Pomeranz MD, Miguel R Sanchez MD, Dermatology Online Journal 14 (10): DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13092 24 19 July 2015, Invasive squamous-cell carcinoma and arsenical keratosis.). There currently is no concrete clinical-pathological evidence

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