What is Elastofibroma and its Surgical Treatment

Elastofibroma is a rare soft tissue tumor that usually occurs in the lower chest and back area. This tumor usually grows slowly and is usually painless, so it may go unnoticed by patients for a long time. Elastofibroma is most common in women over 50, but can occur at any age and gender.

Causes and Risk Factors of Elastofibroma
The exact cause of elastofibroma is unknown, but there are some theories:
Repetitive Trauma Theory: Some experts associate the development of elastofibroma with scapula movements. Constant friction and pressure, especially in the back area, may play a role in the development of these tumors.
Genetic Predisposition: Reports of familial cases suggest that some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop elastofibroma.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
Elastofibroma usually manifests itself with the following symptoms:
A painless, hard mass felt in the chest-back area, usually under the shoulder blade.
The mass is usually not attached to the skin and can be moved.
Rarely, pain or discomfort may be felt as the mass grows.
Diagnosis is usually made by physical examination and imaging techniques (e.g. MRI or ultrasound). A biopsy may be required to confirm the nature of the tumor.

Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment for Elastofibroma is performed to relieve the pain of the tumor or to prevent it from growing larger and causing discomfort. The main goal of surgical intervention is to completely remove the tumor and preserve functions in the affected area. Here are the details of the surgical process:
Preliminary Evaluation: A detailed health check is performed before surgery. This helps determine the size and location of the tumor and its relationship to surrounding tissues.
Anesthesia: It is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia depends on the size of the tumor and the patient's general health condition.
Surgical Procedure: The surgeon aims to remove the tumor without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. During this procedure, it is important to remove the entire tumor because remaining tumor tissue may grow back.
Healing Process: After surgery, patients generally experience a rapid recovery process. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days after surgery. Full recovery and return to activity level can usually take several weeks.
Complication Risks: The risk of elastofibroma surgery is extremely low. Surgery is generally considered safe.

Prevention and Awareness
Elastofibroma can be difficult to prevent because its exact cause is unknown. However, it may be beneficial to avoid repetitive trauma to the back area. Additionally, it is important for people who feel an abnormal mass in their back to consult a doctor for early diagnosis.

Elastofibroma is a condition that is generally easy to treat. However, medical evaluation is important if any new masses or changes are noticed. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help prevent possible complications.