Late recurrence of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in the female breast: a case report

Br J Plast Surg. 2005 Jan;58(1):84-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2004.06.017.

Abstract

The case presented is of a 39-year-old female who, at the age of 13 years, had had a "dermatofibroma" excised from her left breast. Twenty-six years later she developed an unsightly "stretched scar". Excision biopsy demonstrated a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). This was managed by wide local excision, preservation of the nipple-areolar complex, and immediate reconstruction with a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap. Review of the original histology confirmed the presence of DFSP, revising the original diagnosis. Most DFSPs recur within 3 years of primary excision. Such prolonged latency prior to recurrence has not been previously described. This reinforces the need to educate patients regarding the importance of long-term scar surveillance following skin tumour excision.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma / pathology*
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammaplasty / methods
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome