The primary treatment for DFSP is surgical excision. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
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Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the most preferred treatment, as it removes thin layers of cancerous tissue and ensures all cancer cells are gone, which reduces the chances of the cancer returning.
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Wide local excision is another option where the tumor and some healthy tissue around it are removed.
In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended.
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While DFSP is largely genetic, there are ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer in general:
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Protect your skin from the sun: Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds.
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Monitor your skin regularly: Look for new, unusual growths, or any skin changes.
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Get regular check-ups: Visit your healthcare provider for skin exams, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or exposure to radiation.
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DFSP commonly appears as a rough, discolored patch of skin, which can look like a bruise, small bump, or even a pimple. In children, it may appear like a birthmark. As the cancer progresses, lumps of tissue become firm and may develop a violet to red-brown color, becoming painful, tender, and sometimes bleeding or breaking open.
DFSP tumors often appear on the chest, abdomen, back, shoulders, arms, legs, head, or neck. Although rare, they can also affect other areas of the skin.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare yet distinct form of skin cancer that affects approximately 4 out of every 1 million individuals worldwide each year. As a soft tissue sarcoma, DFSP primarily affects the skin, fat, and in some rare cases, muscle and bone. This slow-growing cancer is important to diagnose early for effective treatment. Read on to discover key facts about DFSP, including causes, signs, and treatment options.
While DFSP can occur at any age, it most commonly affects adults between the ages of 30 and 50. It is also more prevalent among Black individuals. Pregnancy can trigger faster growth of DFSP due to hormonal changes.
In addition to genetic factors, certain conditions may increase the risk of developing DFSP, such as:
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Skin injuries (e.g., burns or tattoos)
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Radiation exposure
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Previous skin cancers
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Chronic wounds or scars
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Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a cancer that typically starts in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. DFSP tumors can be slow-growing and non-aggressive, but they have a high recurrence rate if not treated properly. Though it is rare, DFSP accounts for 1-6% of all soft tissue sarcomas and 18% of soft tissue sarcomas of the skin.
The exact cause of DFSP remains unclear, but genetic mutations have been linked to the development of the disease. Skin injuries, such as burns or tattoos, may also increase the risk of DFSP