Clear Cell Acanthoma vs Dermatofibroma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Clear Cell Acanthoma
Dermatofibroma
Category
Benign
Benign
Key feature
Rare, benign red-brown nodule on the lower legs. Slow-growing with a distinctive wafer-like scale pattern.
Firm, small brown bump - usually on the legs. Harmless. The dimple sign is its signature feature.
Risk factors
Age over 50; No known environmental risk factors
Female sex (more common in women); Young to middle-aged adults; Prior minor skin trauma (insect bites, shaving nicks)
Action needed
A persistent, solitary red-brown nodule on the lower leg
A nodule larger than 1-2cm or growing progressively (may be DFSP)

Clear Cell Acanthoma

Clear cell acanthoma is an uncommon, benign epidermal tumor that typically presents as a solitary, well-defined, dome-shaped, red-brown or pink nodule on the lower leg. It is most common in middle-aged to elderly adults.

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Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibroma is a common, harmless, firm nodule that typically appears on the lower legs of women, though it can occur anywhere. It presents as a small (usually under 1cm), firm, slightly raised, brownish bump that feels like a hard lump under the skin.

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Does yours look more like clear cell acanthoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like clear cell acanthoma? Answer 2 questions.

Is it a solitary red-brown or pink nodule on the lower leg?

Does it have a moist or glistening surface with a scale pattern?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →