Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare tumor of the skin, the characteristics of which are slow local but aggressive growth and a strong tendency of local recurrence. Between 1983 and 1994, 16 patients of DFSP were treated in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of Hokkaido University Hospital and other two hospitals in Sapporo. We present a retrospective study of these patients. A mean follow-up period is 3 years and 6 months with a range of 10 months to 11 years 6 months.
Ten patients were males and 6 patients were females. The average age was 38.9 years. The youngest was 11 years old boy and the oldest was 67 years old man. Tumors had from 1 month to over 20 years clinical course. The occurrence of the tumors of 4 patients was in children. Six patients with recurrence had been initially treated elsewhere. The location of the tumor were four head and neck regions and twelve trunks. Two patients had experienced bruise before the ocurrence of the tumor.
All patients were treated surgically. We excised the tumor widely. Ordinarily, the excision included a 3cm or more margin of normal tissue all around the tumor. In depth, the first healthy anatomical structure (fascia, muscle, periosteum or other tissues) was excised under the corresponding surface.
Radiotherapy was performed for 2 patients because of the narrow surgical margin.
No chemotherapy had been done.
Two patients relapsed, both underwent re-excision.
No patient developed regional lymph node or distant metastasis.