Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)

How is DFSP diagnosed?

To test a patient for DFSP, the doctor takes a small sample of the affected skin, called a biopsy, and sends it to a laboratory for study under a microscope.

 

What are the prospects for people with DFSP?

DFSP that is confined to the skin typically grows very aggressively. The risk of it coming back after treatment is high.

In the rare cases where DFSP spreads to other parts of the body, it may be fatal.

 

Can DFSP be eliminated from the body?

In some people, DFSP may be eliminated by surgery.

 

How is DFSP treated?

Surgery is the standard treatment for DFSP. Because it grows so aggressively, the surgeon must remove a wide margin of surrounding skin. This helps lower the risk of DFSP recurring, but it may make the surgery difficult. A new type of surgery called Mohs (moze) is effective for some patients. Sometimes radiation treatments are helpful. New treatments for DFSP are being studied in clinical trials, including one that targets the kinase protein.

 

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