Reduplication of fibroconnective tissue of the skin to the extent of inducing tumor formation of neoplastic character is probably one of the most infrequent of histologic anomalies. This is all the more remarkable when we realize its abundant and universal distribution, the facility and promptness with which it reproduces itself and its constant exposure to insult and injury. Fibroconnective tissue stands in marked contrast, in these respects, to the other elements and structures of the skin, namely, the epidermis, hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands. The latter show a more marked tendency to reduplicate themselves to the degree of tumor formation and pathologic overgrowth, and when they are traumatically or pathologically removed or destroyed, with the exception of the epidermis, are prone to be replaced by fibroconnective tissue.
The clearest and probably the purest and most common type of fibroconnective tissue tumor or new growth is keloid. Many pathologic affections