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Dermatofibroma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a comparative ultrastructural study
Hugo Dominguez-Malagon1, Maria del Carmen Valdez-Carrillo, Ana Maria Cano-Valdez
1Department of Surgical Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Tlalpan, Mexico. hdominguezm@terra.com.mx
Ultrastructural Pathology
|September 15, 2006
Summary
Electron microscopy distinguishes dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) from dermatofibroma (DF) by identifying unique ultrastructural features. These findings aid in diagnosing atypical variants and understanding the origins of these dermal tumors.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dermatofibroma (DF) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) are dermal tumors with unclear histogenesis.
- Routine histology and immunohistochemistry can be inconclusive for atypical variants, necessitating advanced diagnostic methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail ultrastructural characteristics of DFSP and DF for differential diagnosis.
- To investigate the potential histogenesis of both DFSP and DF.
Main Methods:
- Detailed electron microscopy examination of 38 DFSP and 10 DF cases.
- Comparative analysis of ultrastructural features to identify diagnostic markers.
Main Results:
- DFSP exhibits stellate/spindled cells with long processes, subplasmalemmal densities, and multivesicular bodies (MVB).
- DF shows capillary proliferation with prominent endothelium and perivascular cells lacking processes, featuring intracytoplasmic lipid and absence of MVB.
- CD34 expression is constant in DFSP.
Conclusions:
- Ultrastructural findings aid in differentiating DFSP from DF, especially in challenging cases.
- DFSP likely originates from dermal dendrocytes, supported by ultrastructure and CD34 expression.
- DF may arise from FXIIIa-modified perivascular dermal dendrocytes.
