Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in two patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, low-to-intermediate grade skin cancer.
• DFSP typically presents as a slow-growing, indurated plaque or nodule, most commonly on the trunk.
• The etiology and risk factors for DFSP are not fully understood.

Observation:

• This report details two cases of DFSP in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• The first patient, a woman, developed painful DFSP lesions within a traumatic scar.
• The second patient, a man, experienced recurrent DFSP within a surgical scar.

Findings:

• Histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in both patients.
• The occurrence of DFSP in these HIV-positive individuals represents a previously unreported association.
• The development of DFSP within scars was noted in both cases.

Implications:

• This association suggests a potential link between HIV infection and the development of DFSP.
• Further research is warranted to investigate the immunologic or other factors contributing to this association.
• Understanding this link may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for DFSP in immunocompromised individuals.