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Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans on Tattooed Skin: A Case Report.
Eleonora De Antoni1, Tito Brambullo, Elena Pescarini
1In the Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Italy, Eleonora De Antoni, MD, is a Plastic Surgeon; Tito Brambullo, MD, is a Plastic Surgeon; Elena Pescarini, MD, is a Plastic Surgeon; Roberto Salmaso, MD, is a Pathologist; Franco Bassetto is a Plastic Surgeon; and Vincenzo Vindigni, PhD, is a Plastic Surgeon. The authors have disclosed no financial relationships related to this article. Submitted February 17, 2019; accepted in revised form May 29, 2019.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, a rare skin tumor, can recur locally. This case highlights a unique instance of this tumor developing years after a tattoo.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon, slow-growing skin cancer originating from fibroblasts.
- While its exact cause is unknown, DFSP has been linked to factors like vaccination sites, burn scars, and skin trauma.
- Recurrence is common, necessitating careful management.
Observation:
- This report details an unusual case of DFSP.
- The tumor developed in a patient with a 16-year-old tattoo.
- The tattoo site served as the origin for the dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
Findings:
- A diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans was confirmed.
- The tumor's development was secondary to the long-standing tattoo.
- This represents a novel association between tattooing and DFSP etiology.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that tattoos may represent a potential, albeit rare, risk factor for DFSP development.
- Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between skin modifications and fibroblastic tumor formation.
- Clinicians should consider tattoo history in the differential diagnosis of DFSP, especially in long-standing lesions.
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