Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

What is dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans?

Dermatofibrosarcoma (dur-mah-toe-fy-bro-sar-co-ma) protuberans (pro-to-bur-anz) (DFSP) is a rare skin cancer. It begins in the middle layer of skin, the dermis. DFSP tends to grow slowly. It seldom spreads to other parts of the body.

Because DFSP rarely spreads, this cancer has a high survival rate. Treatment is important, though. Without treatment, DFSP can grow deep into the fat, muscle, and even bone. If this happens, treatment can be difficult.

As DFSP grows inside the middle layer of skin, it tends to push on the top layer of skin. You may see a lump.

The first sign of this skin cancer is often a small bump on the skin. It may resemble a deep-seated pimple or rough patch of skin. DFSP can also look like a scar. In children, it may remind you of a birthmark.

You can learn more about the warning signs at DFSP: Signs and symptoms.

Source: https://www.aad.org

Signs and symptoms

Early signs and symptoms of DFSP

This skin cancer tends to grow slowly so it often goes unnoticed for months — or even years. 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.

As the skin cancer grows

As DFSP grows inside the middle layer of skin, it tends to push on the top layer of skin. You may see a lump, also known as a protuberan (pro-to-bur-an). The lump may feel hard or rubbery. As the lump grows, it stretches the skin. You may notice that the affected skin:

• Becomes tender.
• Cracks and bleeds.
• Feels hard, and the lump seems cemented in the skin.

When a woman is pregnant, DFSP tends to grow more quickly.

Over time, more protuberans (lumps) can appear. Once these appear, DFSP tends to grow quickly. In adults, the protuberans often range in color from reddish brown to violet. In young patients, DFSP tends to be blue or red in color.

Where DFSP forms on the body

DFSP can form anywhere on the skin. It is, however, more likely to develop on the:

• Trunk (chest, back, abdomen, shoulder, buttocks).
• Arm or leg.

Few DFSPs form above the neck, but it is possible to find this skin cancer on the scalp or inside the mouth.

When to see a dermatologist

If you are worried about a growth on your skin, you should see a dermatologist. Many skin growths look alike. DFSP often looks like a harmless skin growth known as a dermatofibroma (shown above). This harmless skin growth rarely needs treatment. DFSP always requires treatment.

Dermatologists receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating skin cancer. This expertise is helpful when a person has a rare skin cancer like DFSP.

More common in younger people

DFSP tends to occur between the ages of 20 and 50. To find out more about who is more likely to get this skin cancer, read DFSP: Who gets and causes.

Source: https://www.aad.org

Who gets and causes

Who gets DFSP?

People of all ages get this rare skin cancer. Most people are diagnosed when they are between 20 and 50 years of age.

Although unusual, children get DFSP. Sometimes, a child is born with DFSP. In newborns, this skin cancer often looks like a birthmark.

People of all races get DFSP. In looking at the U.S. cancer records, dermatologists discovered that between 1973 and 2002:

• Blacks were slightly more likely than whites to get DFSP.
• Among whites, those living in Hawaii had the highest incidence of DFSP.
• Cases of DFSP are increasing; this increase is greatest among whites.

What causes DFSP?

Scientists do not yet know what causes DFSP.

In treating patients with DFSP, dermatologists have learned that this cancer sometimes begins on skin that was badly injured. The injured skin may have a scar from a burn or surgery. Sometimes, DFSP forms where a person received many radiation treatments or vaccines.

More research is needed to know whether a skin injury plays a role in causing DFSP.

You can learn about how dermatologists diagnose and treat this skin cancer at DFSP: Diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.

Source: https://www.aad.org