Not Just a Scar: Diagnosing Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans in an Active Duty Service Member

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, soft tissue sarcoma often misdiagnosed as a scar, particularly in patients with darker skin tones. This delay in diagnosis can lead to adverse outcomes, especially in the military population, where early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining fitness for duty. We present a case of a 26-year-old active duty female with a 2-year history of a gradually enlarging lesion on her right buttock. Initially diagnosed as dermatitis or a scar, the lesion persisted and was ultimately diagnosed as DFSP through biopsy and histopathological examination at our military treatment facility. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of diagnosing DFSP in underrepresented populations, the importance of considering DFSP in the differential diagnosis of scar-like lesions, and the need for increased awareness among military providers to facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention.