Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a case report of an abdominal wall mass and review of the literature

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, slow-growing malignancy that often presents with an ambiguous clinical presentation due to its nonspecific findings. We present the case of a 41-year-old male who presented with a slow-growing mass on his abdomen that became protuberant and firm, prompting his desire to pursue excision. Upon return of histologic examination, the specimen was noted to be DFSP. DFSP is a rare cutaneous neoplasm that originates from the dermis and invades the underlying tissue creating a classic protuberant appearance. In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation may be indicated based on margins and locations. The sarcoma is notoriously complicated with early recurrence, making the disease process difficult to control. Surgeons should be familiar with this malignancy due to the indication of additional nonsurgical treatments and the necessity for long-term follow-up for surveillance of recurrence.