Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, low-grade fibrohistiocytic tumor with malignant potential. It is considered to have a high local recurrence rate due to the characteristic invasion of the finger-like lesion into the soft tissues.
Method: This retrospective study presents details of 20 DFSP patients with a history of surgery and a long follow-up period. All patients were followed up for 10 years to assess the relationship between the surgical margin and the recurrence rate. Seventeen patients provided informed consent for detailed pathological examinations.
Results: Twenty Asian patients with a mean age of 42.55 years were included in this study. The location of the DFSP varied among the individuals; seven were closed by sutures, four were full-thickness skin grafts, and nine were closed using a pedicled flap. The average follow-up period was 4.185 ± 3.09 years. Recurrence was observed in 8 out of the 20 patients 1-8 years after surgery (recurrence group). A significant (P = 0.04) difference in the average surgical margin was observed between the recurrence group (1.62 ± 0.74 cm) and the remaining patients (heal group; 2.83 ± 1.43 cm). The median Ki-67 value was 12%.
Conclusion: Local control of DFSP after surgery is challenging. The first choice of DFSP treatment is surgery to clear the margins and reconstruct the area. Enhancing the diagnosis rate of DFSP during the initial visit is important for the proper management and operation opportunity.
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