Leiomyomas are atypical tumors that have the potential to arise in any part of the body, including vital organs. These tumors can vary in size, ranging from smaller than a pimple to as large as a grapefruit. Due to their gradual onset of symptoms and infrequency, there is still much to be discovered about the development and management of each specific subtype.
Understanding the Different Types of Leiomyomas
Leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids, are growths that occur in the smooth muscle tissue. These masses can potentially lead to various health problems depending on where they are located. Although the majority of leiomyomas are noncancerous, about 0.23 percent of them can become cancerous. There are three main classifications of leiomyomas, each with several subtypes, namely piloleiomyoma, angioleiomyoma, and genital leiomyoma.
Piloleiomyoma
Piloleiomyoma is a type of benign skin tumor that develops in the arrector pili, which are hair follicle muscles. These growths can appear on the torso, face, or legs and are typically dark in color. They may occur alone or in clusters that resemble a severe contact dermatitis rash or pimple-like formations. While piloleiomyomas are most commonly found in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, they can occur earlier if there is a genetic syndrome present. It is important to note that these growths are highly sensitive to cold and any type of friction.