Recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance: A single-center analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance (DFSP) is an uncommon soft-tissue tumor with low-to-intermediate-grade malignancy, characterized by relatively slow but progressive growth and a high propensity for recurrence. Recurrence is probably due to initial conservative excision without an adequate margin of clearance. We here share our analysis of 22 recurrent DFSP cases treated in our institute. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 22 consecutive patients with recurrent DFSP who were treated surgically with a minimum 4 cm margin in the host institution over the past 10 years was performed, with special emphasis on outcome and disease-free survival, as well as the rate of recurrence over a mean follow-up 47.12 months. Results: The clinicopathological features and results were reviewed. Wide local excision resulted in the eradication of the disease in all the patients, with disease-free survival throughout the study duration. Conclusion: The results of this study and a review of the literature support the notion that aggressive surgical resection with disease-free margin is the key to successful treatment in the absence of chemotherapy or radiotherapy and offers an excellent probability of cure. The accumulated data also confirm that patients with DFSP should be followed up for extensive periods to be vigilant as a late recurrence can occur.