Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans usually presents as a slow-growing, painless, firm, and often raised or protuberant mass on the skin. DFSP commonly occurs on the trunk, limbs, or head and neck area but can potentially develop anywhere on the body. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans may be more common in areas that were previously injured or traumatized and the tumors can look like scar tissue or keloids (abnormal scarring).

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is not thought to be caused by factors such as sun exposure or lifestyle habits, unlike some other types of skin cancer. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is relatively rare, and most cases occur sporadically without a clear underlying cause. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans can be associated with a random rearrangement of genetic material between two chromosomes which results in continuous growth of cells responsible for the cancer. Ongoing research is aimed at better understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans development, which may lead to improved diagnostic and treatment approaches in the future.

The diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and often a skin biopsy. Unlike other types of cancer, you can see skin cancers. This makes it easier to detect them early. Skin cancer screening exams and self-exams at home help detect skin cancer earlier. If you notice a new or suspicious spot on your skin, or develop a nonhealing sore or growth, it is best to check in with a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer expert like Dr. Thomas Knackstedt.

Here’s how the process generally unfolds (ideally the following paragraphs are separated by arrows):

Medical History

The team at Apex Skin Center will inquire about your medical history, including any previous skin conditions, family history of skin cancer, and any symptoms or changes in the skin.

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Physical Examination

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Knackstedt will conduct a thorough examination of the skin, focusing on any suspicious lesions or growths.

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Skin Biopsy

If Dr. Knackstedt suspects dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans based on the physical examination, a skin biopsy may be performed. During a skin biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the suspicious lesion under local anesthesia (numbing) and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and to assess the cancer’s characteristics.

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Once the diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is confirmed, further evaluation may be necessary to determine the extent of the cancer and plan appropriate treatment. As a fellowship trained, board-certified Mohs surgeon and dermatology oncologist (cancer specialist), Dr. Thomas Knackstedt and the team at Apex Skin Center have significant expertise in the management of all types of skin cancer.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is most commonly treated by local excision or Mohs surgery. Advanced cases that cannot be reliably treated by surgery may be treated with a medicine called imatinib. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is rare; hence the treatment should be performed by a board-certified Mohs surgeon dermatology oncologist (cancer specialist) who has extensive experience with this tumor through a formal fellowship training process. At Apex Skin Center, fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeon, Dr. Thomas Knackstedt, is an expert at removing and managing this type of cancer.