Fibrosarcomatous Transformation in Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of the Male Breast and its Association with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Immunohistopathologic Features

Abstract

Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma, accounting for approximately 1% of all tumors; however, DFSP of the breast is extremely rare. Moreover, DFSP generally has a low malignant potential and is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence along with a small but definite risk of metastasis. The risk of metastasis is higher in fibrosarcomatous transformation in DFSP than in ordinary DFSP.

Case report: We have, herein, reported a case of a 61-year-old male patient with fibrosarcomatous transformation in DFSP. Preoperative Dynamic Contrastenhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) of the breast revealed an oval-shaped mass with heterogeneous internal enhancement, a large vessel embedded within, and a washout curve pattern on kinetic curve analysis. The mass exhibited a hyperintense signal on Diffusion-weighted Imaging (DWI), with a low apparent diffusion coefficient value. Histologically, the bland spindle tumor cells were arranged in a storiform pattern. Areas with the highest histological grade demonstrated increased cellularity, cytological atypia, and mitotic activity. Immunohistochemically, Ki-67 and p53 were highly expressed.

Conclusion: Recognizing the risk and accurately diagnosing fibrosarcomatous transformation in male breast DFSP are critical for improving prognosis and establishing appropriate treatment and follow-up plans. This emphasizes the significance of combining immunohistopathological features with DCE-MRI and DWI to assist clinicians in the early and accurate diagnosis of sarcomas arising from male breast DFSP.

Keywords: Breast neoplasms; Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans; Diffusion-weighted imaging.; Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic resonance imaging; Male; Sarcoma.