Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a multidisciplinary approach in 44 patients

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue tumor with a high recurrence rate. The goal of this study was to review patients with DFSP treated by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and to compare demographics and recurrence rates with cases in the literature treated by standard excision methods. Medical charts were used to evaluate patient and tumor characteristics, number of stages for tumor clearance, reconstructive methods used, and recurrence rate after MMS. Data were compared with published recurrence rates in the literature. Our results indicate that there were no recurrences in 44 of 44 patients with DFSP resected by MMS after a mean follow-up of 3.3 years. This compares with recurrence rates in the literature of 10% to 60% using standard excision methods. We conclude that MMS provides recurrence-free treatment of DFSP tumors and promotes a collaborative approach between dermatologic and plastic surgeons.