Management of pleomorphic dermal sarcoma

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) is a rare neoplasm with uncertain histopathological classification and metastatic potential.
• Optimal treatment and outcomes for PDS are poorly defined due to its rarity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical and histopathological features of PDS.
• To analyze treatment outcomes for PDS in a single Australian center.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 27 patients diagnosed with PDS between 2003 and 2017.
• Analysis of electronic medical records and patient histories.

Main Results:

• PDS predominantly affects elderly males (85.2%) with lesions on the head and neck (96.3%), especially the scalp.
• Recurrence (7.4%) was associated with inadequate surgical margins; one disease-specific death occurred.
• Radiotherapy was administered to 66.7% of patients (adjuvant, neoadjuvant, palliative).

Conclusions:

• PDS is a rare cutaneous malignancy primarily affecting elderly men on the head and neck.
• Adequate surgical excision is the recommended management for PDS.
• The role of radiotherapy in PDS treatment requires further investigation.