Mohs’ micrographic surgery for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft-tissue tumour with a high local recurrence rate. Recent reports indicate more favourable cure rates with Mohs' micrographic surgery (MMS). To investigate the beneficial use of MMS for DFSP in a single institution in Korea. A retrospective review was performed of pertinent demographic data, tumour data, treatment characteristics and follow-up data of 11 patients between 1997 and 2007. A review of literature for treatment methods and recurrence rates of DFSP was also performed. In total, 11 patients (7 female, 4 male; mean age 26.9 years, range 3-36) with DFSP were identified and analysed. A mean number of 1.8 MMS layers were required to clear the tumour. All tumours were excised and reconstructed by the surgeon. There were no identifiable recurrences in the follow-up period of an average of 26 months. Treatment of primary and recurrent DFSP by MMS results in a low recurrence rate with possible benefits of smaller defects compared with wide local excision. This study provides further support for MMS as the treatment of choice for DFSP.