Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a single series of 27 consecutive cases

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare low-grade malignant tumor of soft tissues characterized by aggressive local infiltration and propensity for local recurrence. This retrospective study analyzed clinical outcomes, recurrence and survival rates after surgical treatment of DFSP.

Methods:

Patients underwent surgery to complete eradicate tumor, and subsequently a close follow-up by clinical examination and ultrasounds surveillance of primary tumor site and corresponding lymph nodes, to detect local or distant recurrence. Surgery invariably included wide excision of tumor, followed by different reconstructive procedures as skin grafting in 23 cases (85%), local flap in 2 patients (7.4%), free flap in 1 case (4%), while primary closure was performed only in one case (4%).

Results:

Second surgery was needed in 9 cases (33%) to achieve minimum free-margins of 2-3cm. Other surgical treatments like Mohs Micrographic Surgery, or adjuvant therapies, like radioor chemotherapy were not used. Free-recurrence lapse among this series of patients varied from 1 to 10 years, with a medium period of 6 years. Local recurrence occurred in 3 patients (11%), and required a further extended surgical excision. A total of 27 patients did not develop distance metastasis during the follow-up.

Conclusion:

Extended excision is effective to provide a reliable local control of disease, but only if free margins limiting 2-3 cm is confirmed by pathologist. Clinical and ultrasound surveillance during close follow-up provide early detection of eventual local recurrence and of lymph nodes involvement.

Keywords:
Dermatofibrosarcoma; Free tissue flaps; Neoplasm recurrence local; Follow-up studies.