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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Comparative Lesions Analysis Through a Targeted Sequencing Approach
Published on: November 5, 2019
A comparison of frozen and paraffin sections in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
R A Massey1, J Tok, B A Strippoli
1Department of Dermatology, Columbia University-College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
Background:
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a tumor with a high local reoccurrence rate. Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest cure rate. However, differentiating minimal residual tumor from normal skin can be difficult during Mohs surgery.
Objective:
To clarify the problem of determining when a tumor-free plane had been achieved during Mohs surgery for a DFSP.
Methods:
In two patients with DFSPs, we compared frozen and paraffin-embedded sections extending from tumor to normal skin, using both H&E and CD34 stains.
Results:
On frozen, but not paraffin-embedded, sections scattered dermal spindle cells were seen in normal skin.
Conclusions:
Scattered dermal spindle cells in the dermis of normal skin make it difficult to differentiate minimal residual tumor from normal dermis during Mohs surgery. A biopsy of normal skin can be useful as a control in this setting.
