How rare is dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans?

How rare is dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans?

Frequency. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is estimated to occur in 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1 million people per year.

Is DFSP a skin cancer?

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare type of skin cancer. It starts in connective tissue cells in the middle layer of the skin (dermis).

Can DFSP spread?

DFSP is most commonly found on the torso, but can also be seen on the arms, legs, head and neck. It has a tendency to recur in the same location after it is removed. However, it only spreads to other parts of the body in about 5% of cases.

Can DFSP be benign?

DFSP is considered an intermediate tumor between a benign dermatofibroma and a frank fibrosarcoma due to the possibility of having distant metastasis and aggressive local invasion.

Can DFSP spread to the brain?

The most common site of metastasis is a lung but metastasis to brain, bone, heart, lymph nodes, pancreas, orbit, and testis have also been reported [Table 1]. Our case also presented high grade DFSP with metastasis to multiple organs, including brain, pleura, and iliacus muscle.

What does DFSP feel like?

When dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) first appears on the skin, a person may notice: A pimple-like growth or rough patch of skin. No pain or tenderness where the growth or patch forms. Little change in the growth or patch.

Can DFSP come back?

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is very rare tumor of dermis layer of skin with the incidence of only 1 case per million per year. DFSP rarely leads to a metastasis (Less than 5% have metastasis), but DFSP can recur locally.

How do you get rid of dermatofibroma?

A dermatofibroma can be completely removed with a wide surgical excision, but there is also a high likelihood of scar formation that may be considered more unsightly than the dermatofibroma itself. Never attempt removal of a growth at home. This can lead to infection, scarring, and excess bleeding.

Should I remove my dermatofibroma?

Most dermatofibromas do not require treatment. A person can safely leave them alone, and they will usually cause no symptoms aside from their appearance on the skin.

Can Dermatofibroma turn cancerous?

However, if a person has a growth that looks like a dermatofibroma but is rapidly growing or changing, they should seek medical advice. This growth may be a sign of a rare type of cancer called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Does DFSP itch?

Without early treatment, the cancer can invade deep into fat, muscle and even bone. The cancer tends to form on the trunk (chest, back, abdomen, shoulders, buttocks) and arms or legs. The lesion will enlarge and may begin to itch or become tender. The bumps range in color from a reddish brown to a violet color.

What is inside a dermatofibroma?

What are dermatofibromas? Dermatofibromas are small, rounded noncancerous growths on the skin. The skin has different layers, including the subcutaneous fat cells, dermis, and epidermis. When certain cells inside the second layer of skin (the dermis) overgrow, dermatofibromas can develop.

WHO removes dermatofibroma?

On rare occasions, larger lesions do occur, but dermatofibromas larger than 1 cm should be evaluated by a doctor. While dermatofibromas are not cancerous, it’s a good idea to get any new skin growth checked by your doctor. A dermatofibroma will not go away on its own, but it can be removed by a doctor if you wish.