Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with fibrosarcomatous transformation of the head and neck

Head Neck Oncol. 2011 Feb 4:3:5. doi: 10.1186/1758-3284-3-5.

Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm associated with a high cure rate. We present a case of aggressive DFSP with fibrosarcomatous areas in the head and neck. A 28-year-old Mediterranean female presented with a 45-day history of rapidly growing cutaneous lesion of the face. Surgical biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of DFSP. Subsequently, the patient underwent wide local surgical resection, followed by reconstruction. Histopathology report revealed fibrosarcomatous transformation and the patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. The patient continues to be disease free at the 35-month follow-up.Although DFSP behave as non-aggressive malignancy, surgery with complete removal of the affected area is the intervention of choice. Moreover, adjuvant treatment and follow-up of the patient is essential in order to prevent recurrence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma / pathology
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma / surgery
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery