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Published on: May 7, 2019
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: review of 20-years experience
Jaime Ruiz-Tovar1, Montserrat Fernández Guarino, María Eugenia Reguero Callejas
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain. jruiztovar@gmail.com
Summary
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) frequently recurs locally, often due to incomplete surgical removal. Achieving adequate margins through precise preoperative histological assessment is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing DFSP recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatopathology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, locally aggressive soft tissue neoplasm.
- DFSP is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence after surgical treatment.
- Adequate surgical margins are considered the primary treatment modality for DFSP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinicopathological features of Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) cases.
- To evaluate the recurrence rate and outcomes associated with DFSP treatment.
- To identify factors influencing DFSP recurrence and discuss optimal management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 21 Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) cases.
- Review of clinicopathological data, including lesion size, location, and treatment received.
- Assessment of surgical margins, recurrence rates, and follow-up periods.
Main Results:
- The mean lesion size was 5.6 cm, predominantly located on the trunk.
- A significant proportion of patients (52.4%) had positive surgical margins requiring further intervention.
- The recurrence rate was 28.6%, with most recurrences being local and treated with repeat wide-margin excision.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate surgical margins are strongly associated with the high local recurrence rate of DFSP.
- Preoperative histological assessment is vital for achieving adequate margins and potentially reducing recurrence.
- Adjuvant radiotherapy may be beneficial for positive margins, and chemotherapy for metastatic disease; long-term follow-up is essential.
