Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare cutaneous tumor of low malignant grade,
with slow, infiltrative growth and a strong tendency towards local recurrence after
surgical excision. The most frequently affected anatomic site is the thorax (65%),
and the tumor rarely affects the scalp (5%). Its high recurrence rate correlates with
poor surgical management, as lesions may be confused with dermatofibroma or keloid.
We herein report a case of scalp dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans posing particular
challenges due to the proximity to the periosteum, calvaria, dura mater, and brain;
the resulting defects often require extensive reconstructive procedures. This case
confirms the importance of the accurate diagnosis of the primary lesion and the need
for aggressive surgical treatment (excision of 2–3 cm of the lateral margins) to lower
the incidence of local relapse.
Keywords
dermatofibrosarcoma - head and neck neoplasms - scalp - surgery - plastic surgery
- tissue expansion devices
Bibliographical Record
Jefferson Lessa Soares de Macedo, Jovita Maria Rafael Batista de Albuquerque Espíndola,
Thamara de Oliveira Vasconcelos, Luna D'Angelis Barbosa de Albuquerque, Sarah Pereira
Lima Xavier da Silva, Luis Felipe Rosa de Macedo, Cecilia Rosa de Macedo, Simone Correa
Rosa. Dermatofibrossarcoma protuberante no couro cabeludo: Relato de caso. Revista
Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica (RBCP) – Brazilian Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;
40: s00451807279.
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1807279
