The present study describes a case of pit-like dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) with the clinical manifestations, histopathological features and criteria for diagnosis. The study also reviews the relevant literature in order to raise awareness among dermatologists with regard to the specific behavior of DFSP. A 27-year-old female presented with subcutaneous nodules on the left side of the neck that had been apparent for 5 years and which had gradually begun caving in during the last year. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor was composed of a large number of spindle cells arranged in a whirlpool-like pattern. Immunohistochemical studies revealed positive staining for cluster of differentiation 34, vimentin and lysozyme, which could be used as diagnostic markers of DFSP. The patient was finally diagnosed with DFSP by pathological and immunohistochemical analyses. The DFSP was treated with an extended resection followed by adjacent skin repair. The patient responded well and no relapse occurred during the 8-month clinical follow-up. Thus, the current study describes a unique pit-like clinical manifestation of DFSP with typical immunohistochemical and pathological features. In addition, histopathological examination revealed a downward depression in the epidermis. Therefore, histopathological examination should be considered as an essential diagnostic tool for DFSP.
Keywords: cluster of differentiation 34; eminence skin fibrosarcoma; lysozyme; pit-like; vimentin.