Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2022
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the scalp, with fibrosarcomatous areas masquerading as epidermal inclusion cyst
Barkha Gupta1, Nidhi Verma1, Nita Khurana1
1Department of Pathology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Lesions on the scalp are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Commonly diagnosed lesions include epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs), dermoid cysts and lipomas. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a low-grade malignant skin tumour occurring mostly in the extremities. However, its occurrence on the scalp is unusual, with an incidence of <5%. This lesion is rarely known to undergo fibrosarcomatous transformation. We present two such rare cases of DFSP of the scalp, with fibrosarcomatous transformation, masquerading clinically as EIC.
Insights
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) on the scalp is rare, especially with fibrosarcomatous transformation. These unusual DFSP cases mimicked common epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs).
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Scalp lesions are common, with epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs), dermoid cysts, and lipomas being frequent diagnoses.
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is typically found on extremities and rarely occurs on the scalp (<5% incidence).
Observation:
- This report details two uncommon cases of DFSP on the scalp.
- Both cases presented with fibrosarcomatous transformation, a rare occurrence for this tumor type.
Findings:
- The DFSP lesions clinically mimicked benign epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs).
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of DFSP with fibrosarcomatous changes.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses like DFSP in scalp lesions, even when they appear benign.
- Emphasizes the need for thorough histopathological evaluation to differentiate DFSP from common cysts, especially when exhibiting unusual features.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
01:11Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...