Dermoscopy of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: What Do We Know?

Basal Cell Carcinoma: Comprehensive Review with Emphasis on Scar Tissue Manifestation and Post-Vaccination Incidence

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arising within scar tissue is a rare but clinically significant phenomenon. This comprehensive review aims to provide a succinct overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the etiological factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of BCC. This study constitutes a literature review pertaining to BCC, with a particular emphasis on BCC developing within scar tissue. It also provides a clinical case presentation of a patient who had developed BCC in a BCG post-vaccination scar and a review of analogous findings available in the existing literature. Despite the fact that an array of mechanisms play a role in injury-related BCC growth, the main mechanism remains ambiguous and yet to be elucidated. The review also includes a detailed description of the various therapeutic options available for BCC, ranging from surgical interventions to novel pharmacological treatments. By examining these intersections, the review seeks to elucidate the potential mechanisms, identify risk factors, and suggest considerations for clinical practice. The findings underscore the importance of vigilant dermatological assessment in patients with scar tissue and those recently vaccinated, aiming to improve early detection and optimize management strategies for BCC.

A challenging diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the middle finger in an infant: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare sarcoma, accounting for less than 0.1 % of tumors. While it predominantly occurs in adults, pediatric cases are unusual. This case report aims to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by DFSP in infants due to its rarity and slow-growing nature, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and prompt intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of an 8-month-old infant presenting with a progressive finger mass, initially mistakenly diagnosed as a dermatofibroma. Local excision was done, but the tumor recurred after one year. Subsequent re-excision and skin grafting were performed, and histopathology confirmed DFSP. Despite middle finger amputation three weeks later, a new mass emerged on the adjacent ring finger after one year. This tested negative for DFSP. The fibrous mass has persisted for five years without significant changes.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

DFSP is a rare sarcoma with a higher prevalence in adults. It typically presents as a painless, slow-growing mass and is usually diagnosed by biopsy and immunohistochemistry. Surgical excision with negative margins is the preferred treatment. The rarity and slow-growing nature of DFSP pose challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are crucial in managing DFSP, especially given its high recurrence potential. Maintaining a high index of suspicion is essential even in very young children. Aggressive resection with negative margins and diligent post-operative surveillance are key strategies to mitigate metastasis risk and improve prognosis in such challenging cases.

A 73-Year-Old Female Diagnosed With Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans in the Primary Care Setting: A Case Report and Literature Review of Misdiagnosed Cases

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, slow-growing, malignant tumor in the dermis and subcutaneous fat diagnosed by pathological and immunohistochemical examinations. This case report provides the dermatological findings of a 73-year-old woman with DFSP who presented to a primary care clinic with a longstanding nodular lesion on her left upper thigh. Dermatological examination showed a solitary, skin-colored violaceous/hyperpigmented nodule on the superior anteromedial portion of the left thigh. A punch biopsy revealed spindle cell proliferation, and diffuse CD34 positivity, confirming the diagnosis of DFSP. A dermatology referral was placed for further management and complete surgical excision. Patient underwent wide local excision (WLE) and has no recurrence to date. Unfortunately, DFSP is commonly misdiagnosed before skin biopsy which delays treatment. This case is significant because DFSP is not often diagnosed accurately outside the dermatology specialty and serves as a reminder to practitioners to use biopsies during the diagnostic process of skin findings to prevent the delay in management.

Dermatopathology

A 30-year-old man with Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV presented with an asymptomatic slowly enlarging lesion on his chest over the past year that on examination showed multiple erythematous papules and nodulo-plaques on an extended plaque-like base over the upper part of the chest.

A 30-year-old man with Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV presented with an asymptomatic, slowly enlarging lesion on his chest over the past year. On examination, there were multiple erythematous papules and nodulo-plaques on an extended plaque-like base over the upper part of the chest (Figure 1a). Upon palpation, the lesions were firm and nontender. There was no history of trauma or previous procedures in the chest area. Histopathology revealed interstitial spindle cell proliferation in a storiform pattern and focal subcutis infiltration (Figure 1b, c).

Dermoscopy of Cutaneous Neoplasms in Skin of Color - A Systematic review by the International Dermoscopy Society "Imaging in Skin of Color" Task Force

Over the last few decades, dermoscopy has been showed to facilitate the non-invasive diagnosis of both benign and malignant skin tumors, yet literature data mainly comes from studies on light photo-types. However, there is growing evidence that skin neoplasms may benefit from dermoscopic assessment even for skin of color. This systematic literature review evaluated published data in dark-skinned patients (dermoscopic features, used setting, pathological correlation, and level of evidence of studies), also providing a standardized and homogeneous terminology for reported dermoscopic findings. A total of 20 articles describing 46 different tumors (four melanocytic neoplasms, eight keratinocytic tumors, 15 adnexal cutaneous neoplasms, seven vascular tumors, four connective tissue tumors, and eight cystic neoplasms/others) for a total of 1724 instances were included in the analysis. Most of them showed a level of evidence of V (12 single case reports and six case series), with only two studies featuring a level of evidence of IV (case-control analysis). Additionally, this review also underlined that some neoplasms and phototypes are underrepresented in published analyses as they included only small samples and mainly certain tones of "dark skin" spectrum (especially phototype IV). Therefore, further studies considering such limitations are required for a better characterization.

Clinical and Dermoscopic Characteristics of Cutaneous Sarcomas: A Literature Review

Under the umbrella of cutaneous sarcomas (CS) we include a heterogeneous group of rare, malignant, mesenchymal neoplasia, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, atypical fibroxanthoma, cutaneous undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, cutaneous angiosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. Clinical presentation and histopathological examination are the cornerstone of CS diagnosis and classification. There are scarce data in the literature in regards to the clinical and dermatoscopic characteristics of CS and the role of dermatoscopy in their early identification. We performed a literature review, aiming to summarize current data on the clinical and dermatoscopic presentation of the most common types of cutaneous sarcomas that may facilitate early diagnosis and prompt management. Based on the available published data, CS are characterized by mostly unspecific dermatoscopic patterns. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Kaposi's sarcoma, and in a lesser degree, cutaneous angiosarcoma, may display distinct dermatoscopic features, facilitating their early clinical recognition. In conclusion, dermatoscopy, in conjunction with the overall clinical context, may aid towards suspicion of CS.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the hallux: A case report with review of the literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Darier-Ferrand dermatofibrosarcoma (DFS) is a rare mesenchymal tumor with an aggressive local behavior, high local recurrence frequency and low metastatic potential. It commonly presents as a raised slowly growing mass. It usually occurs on trunk and proximal extremities but rarely touches distal extremities such as hands, fingers, or foot below knees.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 15-year-old girl presents with a protuberant painful mass of the right hallux of 2 years. After surgical excision, histological examination revealed a spindle shaped cells with a strong CD34 expression and the diagnosis of Darier-Ferrand dermatofibrosarcoma of the toe was confirmed. We proceeded to a review of the literature of Dermatofibrosarcoma on the toes with the aim to reveal, its clinical presentations, histopathology, and treatment options.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

DFS represents 0.1 % of all cancers. It is a low-grade sarcoma with a locally aggressive behavior and a low metastatic potential. Only 11 cases of DFS of the toes have been reported in the literature. It usually occurs in the trunk, and proximal extremities. Histological and immunohistochemical examination are mandatory to confirm the diagnosis with diffuse expression of CD34 by the tumoral cells. Surgery is the standard treatment for localized and resectable lesions.

CONCLUSION

Darier-Ferrand Dermatofibrosarcoma is an uncommon and recurrent dreadful tumor, that rarely occurs on toes, but should be considered in front of persistent slowly growing foot lesions.

Rare Cutaneous Malignancies in Skin of Color

BACKGROUND

There is a scarcity of information regarding the clinical characteristics of rare cutaneous malignancies in skin of color that has yet to be comprehensively explored.

OBJECTIVE

To review and compile the racial differences in epidemiology, clinical presentation, histology, treatments, and outcomes of 3 rare skin cancers: dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and sebaceous carcinoma (SC).

METHODS

Several searches with keywords denoting specific skin cancer type and race were conducted on PubMed to complete this narrative review.

RESULTS

We analyzed 50 sources that were relevant to the initial objective.

CONCLUSION

The literature demonstrates that there are nuances in DFSP, MCC, and SC unique to African Americans, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics that may differ significantly from Caucasian counterparts. African Americans consistently suffer from the worst clinical outcomes in all 3 rare cutaneous malignancies reviewed. Greater physician awareness and knowledge of the discussed racial differences is the preliminary step to address these disparities.

Usefulness of Dermoscopy to Provide Accurate Assessment of Skin Cancers

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is the most common benign tumour of epidermal origin. In most cases, it is simple to recognize in the clinical examination. However, sometimes SK can be a problematic lesion. We present the cases of two patients with seborrheic keratosis in whom we diagnosed the skin cancer through dermoscopic and histopathological examinations. The article aims to draw attention to the need for dermoscopic examinations to be included for an accurate assessment of the nevi not only by dermatologists but also not-specialized doctors. We would like to underline that many skin cancers share the similar features of malignancy, and competence and capability to interpret the dermoscopic pictures correctly are important for early recognition of malignant lesion. Very often malignant skin cancers can be hidden among benign lesions like seborrheic keratosis or they can be imitators of benign lesions. Amongst all cases of imposing SK, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is the most important differential diagnosis, of which their dermoscopic features will be discussed in this article.

Tumor in the plantar region: dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in an infrequent topography

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare mesenchymal tumor; it is locally aggressive and presents high rates of local recurrence. It may present as a nodular or plaque vegetating lesion. It mainly affects the trunk and proximal limbs, being rare in the distal extremities. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry help confirm the diagnosis. The authors report a case of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with plantar region involvement, a rare presentation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, only 11 cases of involvement of the feet were described in the international literature.