1.Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans on the leg: Pearls in diagnosis and surgical management
Aileen Christine N. Barreiro ; Johannes F. Dayrit ; Gabriel R. Natividad
Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2018;27(1):84-86
Introduction:
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, slow-growing soft tissue tumor accounting for less
than 0.1% of all malignant neoplasms and approximately 1% of all soft tissue sarcomas1
.
Case Summary:
We report a case of a 27-year-old female who presented with a 1-year history of a gradually enlarging
firm, erythematous to violaceous nodule on the right anterolateral leg. Shave excision biopsy was done, and revealed
spindle-shaped fibroblasts arranged in a storiform pattern around an indistinct vasculature. Histopathologic diagnosis
revealed dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. There was prominent, diffuse, positivity for CD34 by
immunohistochemistry. The cytogenetic analysis revealed a t(17;22) translocation, confirming our working
impression.The patient underwent wide excision with frozen section. All surgical margins of resection were negative for
tumor. The patient was referred to plastic surgery for post-excision coverage defect. Split-thickness skin graft was
applied over the defect. Patient tolerated the procedure well, and has not experienced recurrence of the tumor.
Conclusion
A protuberant, well-circumscribed tumor that seems benign may incidentally be a sarcoma. Skin biopsy,
immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic studies using Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) are the most essential
laboratory investigations to validate a diagnosis of DFSP. Proper surgical excision with adequate margins will prevent
recurrence of the tumor.
Dermatofibrosarcoma
;
Neoplasms