Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

08:52
Modeling Osteosarcoma Using Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Patient-derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: June 13, 2018
8.9K
A case report of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with osteolytic
Zuyao Song1, Weiyi Gong1, Hongyan Zhang1
1Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, No. 31 Jinan Road, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|August 19, 2025
Summary
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) rarely metastasizes, but this case shows rare bone metastasis to the humerus. Early diagnosis and integrated assessment are crucial for managing this rare presentation of DFSP.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Orthopedic Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with low metastatic potential.
- Local recurrence is common, but distant metastasis, particularly to bone, is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of DFSP with solitary bone metastasis to the humerus.
- To emphasize the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches for rare metastatic presentations.
Main Methods:
- A 42-year-old male with a history of DFSP presented with humerus bone destruction and a soft tissue mass.
- Imaging and aspiration biopsy confirmed metastatic DFSP.
- Palliative treatment was initiated, with follow-up monitoring.
Main Results:
- The humeral lesion initially responded to palliative treatment but later progressed.
- Multiple new bone metastases were identified on follow-up.
- This case highlights the unusual metastatic behavior of DFSP.
Conclusions:
- Metastasis of DFSP, especially to bone, is rare and requires integrated diagnostic strategies.
- Comprehensive evaluation including medical history, imaging, immunohistochemistry, and molecular pathology is essential.
- Prompt core biopsy and thorough patient history are vital for accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment planning for bone pain presentations.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Connective Tissues
Connective tissues are one of the four main tissue types in humans that are extensively present in the body. They are characterized by cells embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of a ground substance and three main types of protein fibers— collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers. The ground substance of connective tissues can range from a watery and jelly-like consistency to mineralized and hard. The wide variety of cells in the connective tissues include fibroblasts, osteocytes,...
Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue
Bone tissue forms the internal skeleton of vertebrate animals, providing structure to the body.
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts— that give the...
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts— that give the...
Bone Cells and Tissue
Bones contain a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of organic and inorganic components. Although bone cells compose only a small amount of the bone volume, they are crucial to its function. Four types of cells are found within the bone tissue— osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteogenic cells, and osteoclasts.
Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone tissue. It is found in the growing portions of bone, including the periosteum and...
Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone tissue. It is found in the growing portions of bone, including the periosteum and...
Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
Tissue Transplantation
Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...

