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The fibroblastic nature of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. A tissue culture and ultrastructural study
Abstract:
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans has been considered to be of fibrohistiocytic or fibroblastic origin. The purpose of this paper is to identify the original cell strain from which this neoplasm derives, using tissue culture and electron microscopic methods. Thirteen cases of DFSP characterised by clinical, topographical, histological and behavioral criteria were explanted. The emigrating cells were bipolar with two opposed processed and showed a radial arrangement in respect to the explants. After the second week the distal processes tended to curve back towards the cell body forming flame-like structures. This cell morphology and cellular orientation persisted during the whole life of the culture. Electron microscopy was performed in three cases; the newly grown cells maintained an electron microscopic picture similar to that found in the original tumors. This pattern of behaviour is characteristic of fibroblastic tumors and has been found in explants of normal fibroblasts, of fibromatosis and of fibrosarcomas used as controls. On this basis, we believe that DFSP is a fibrosarcoma of the skin of low grade malignancy.
Insights
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) originates from fibroblasts, not fibrohistiocytic cells. This study used tissue culture and electron microscopy to confirm DFSP as a low-grade fibrosarcoma of the skin.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a skin neoplasm with debated cellular origin.
- Previous classifications suggested fibrohistiocytic or fibroblastic origins.
- Clarifying the cell strain is crucial for understanding DFSP pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the original cell strain of Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
- To differentiate between fibrohistiocytic and fibroblastic origins using advanced techniques.
Main Methods:
- Tissue culture explants from thirteen DFSP cases.
- Observation of cell morphology and arrangement during culture.
- Electron microscopy analysis of newly grown cells from three cases.
Main Results:
- Emigrating cells exhibited bipolar morphology with radial arrangement.
- Cells formed flame-like structures, characteristic of fibroblasts.
- Electron microscopy confirmed similarity between cultured cells and original tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- The observed cellular behavior is consistent with fibroblastic tumors.
- DFSP shares characteristics with normal fibroblasts, fibromatosis, and fibrosarcomas.
- DFSP is proposed to be a low-grade cutaneous fibrosarcoma.