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Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and giant cell fibroblastoma exhibit CD99 positivity
A Hafeez Diwan1, Henry G Skelton, Marcelo G Horenstein
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. ahdiwan@mdanderson.org
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|January 19, 2008
Summary
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) and giant cell fibroblastoma (GCF) show CD99 positivity, suggesting a relationship between these skin tumors. This finding supports the hypothesis that DFSP and GCF are related entities.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) and giant cell fibroblastoma (GCF) are considered variants of the same disease, sharing similar morphology, chromosomal translocations, and CD34 expression.
- Nuchal-type fibroma (NTF), another CD34-positive lesion, is related to DFSP and exhibits CD99 positivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunophenotype of DFSP and GCF for CD99 expression.
- To determine if CD99 positivity supports the hypothesis that DFSP and GCF are related entities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 29 DFSP and 5 GCF tissue blocks.
- Immunohistochemical staining for CD99 expression.
Main Results:
- CD99 expression was observed in 79% of DFSP cases (23/29) and 40% of GCF cases (2/5).
- No statistically significant difference was found in CD99 positivity between the tumoral and non-tumoral periphery of DFSP.
Conclusions:
- The presence of CD99 in a significant proportion of DFSP and GCF cases supports their potential relationship.
- CD99 immunophenotyping may aid in the differential diagnosis of these fibroblastic skin tumors.
