Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: a case report

Abstract

A pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) is considered a rare and poorly understood neoplasm of the skin.1 This has features similar to atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX).1 As well as the baseline similar characteristics to an AFX, a PDS also exhibits features of an infiltrative growth pattern which allows invasion of the subcutis, tumour necrosis and the possibility of lymphovascular invasion.2 These are more aggressive features than the more extensively reported AFX. There is a degree of metastatic potential associated with a PDS and hence early diagnosis and management with the appropriate multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is important to optimise the clinical prognosis. This case report will discuss a relatively rare diagnosis of a patient presenting with a PDS on the scalp and his management within the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical (OMFS) Department, including consideration of his overall palliative care. Here, we will discuss the social, medical and physical implications of this diagnosis as well as considering the overall determinants of his quality of life (QoL).