Reducing surgical margins in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans using the pathological analysis technique 'vertical...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Pathology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) traditionally requires wide surgical excision with significant margins.
• The vertical modified technique (VMT) is a pathological analysis improvement enabling reduced surgical margins since 2006.
• VMT aims to maintain oncological safety while minimizing tissue removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the vertical modified technique (VMT) in treating dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
• To assess the impact of VMT on surgical margins, recurrence rates, and patient outcomes.
• To determine the functional and aesthetic results following VMT-guided resection of DFSP.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 66 DFSP cases treated with VMT between 2006 and 2011.
• Review of patient records focusing on initial and total surgical margins, number of surgeries, and recurrence.
• Assessment of functional and aesthetic outcomes by both surgeon and patient.

Main Results:

• Mean initial margin was 18 mm, with a mean total margin of 21.3 mm.
• Complete tumor resection was achieved in 78.8% of cases in the first surgery.
• No local tumor recurrences were observed at a median 30-month follow-up; 90.9% had acceptable aesthetic and 84.8% satisfactory functional results.

Conclusions:

• VMT effectively reduces surgical margins for DFSP treatment.
• The technique provides comprehensive margin analysis, ensuring oncological safety.
• VMT is a safe and reliable strategy for DFSP management with positive patient outcomes.