Cutaneous fibropapillomas are small, noncancerous skin growths that often appear in areas of the body where skin frequently rubs together—such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, or beneath the breasts.

What Do They Look Like?

These growths usually have the following features:

• Soft and flexible to the touch
• Skin-toned or slightly darker
• Rounded or elongated in shape
• Typically painless, but may get irritated by friction

Most fibropapillomas remain small, though some may grow a few millimeters in size. They are harmless and not linked to cancer, but any sudden changes—like rapid growth, bleeding, or color shifts—should prompt a visit to a dermatologist.

What Causes Them?

There’s no single known cause, but several factors may increase the likelihood of developing fibropapillomas:

• Ongoing skin friction
• Genetics
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Being overweight or obese
• Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

They are also more commonly seen with age.