[Cutaneous mesenchymal neoplasms versus mesenchymal neoplasms of subcutaneous and deep soft tissue. Similarities and...

As in subcutaneous and deep soft tissues, cutaneous mesenchymal neoplasms are also relatively rare and characterized by a clinicopathological heterogeneity. There are striking differences in regard to the occurrence of different lines of differentiation of mesenchymal neoplasms in superficial and deep locations, and some distinct entities arise exclusively in the dermis. Superficially located mesenchymal neoplasms are characterized by a number of specific morphological features in comparison to deeper located lesions. Clinically important, dermal sarcomas of some lines of differentiation are associated with a favorable clinical prognosis, independent of the histological grading, which is important to know for the correct treatment of patients. In the following review similarities and distinguishing clinicopathological features of superficially and deeply located mesenchymal tumors are discussed.