Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a clinicopathological study in an African population

Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a slow-growing, locally aggressive fibrous tumour which rarely metastasises to regional lymphnode or distant sites. The rarity, age pattern of occurrence and the male to female ratio of the tumour were found to correspond to reports elsewhere. But contrary to other reports, the lower limb and not the trunk was found to be the site of predilection of the tumour in Tanzania. This and the tendency of occurrence of the tumour on the scalp in females rather than at other sites in the head and neck region seem to implicate trauma as a predisposing factor. It is difficult to differentiate between DFSP, keloids and hypertrophi scars on the basis of clinical presentation without biopsy. The treatment of choice of this lesion is wide excision followed by skin grafting. It is emphasised that all hypertrophi scars and keloids should be histologically examined in order to rule out DFSP so that it is correctly treated in order to avoid recurrence.