A simple cryo-technique for the treatment of cutaneous soft fibromas

Multiple soft fibromas of the lid

Fibromas are benign tumors that are composed of fibrous or connective tissue. They can grow in all organs, arising from mesenchymal tissue (a type of loose connective tissue). The term “fibroblastic” or “fibromatous” is used to describe tumors like the fibroma. This 69-year-old male presented to us with giant, multiple, very slowly progressive, painless, noninflammatory, soft, trans-illuminant, pedunculated lid swellings with a two decade history. There were no other swellings on the body. He was clinically normal on systemic examination except for the immature cataracts in both eyes. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology. Simple excision removed all the soft fibromas virtually leaving no scar. A review of literature world-wide using Medline Plus/PubMed revealed this to be the only reported case of multiple giant soft fibromas of the lid.

Forceps and cotton applicator method of freezing benign lesions

BACKGROUND

Cryosurgery is one of the most common treatment methods in the dermatologists armamentarium. We describe a method combining forceps and a cotton applicator to freeze benign lesions for practitioners who prefer to use cotton-tipped applicators instead of a cryosurgery spray device.

METHODS

We describe the technique using common in-office instruments.

CONCLUSION

Lesions around delicate areas can be treated with forceps and a cotton-tipped applicator dipped in liquid nitrogen resulting in less pain and decreased collateral damage vs. traditional methods. For the most delicate areas, the forceps dipped directly in liquid nitrogen method is preferred.