Paediatric dermatofibrosarcoma protuberan—a case report in an Afro-Caribbean boy

TL;DR

A 9-year-old Afro-Caribbean boy was diagnosed with a rare skin tumor called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, which is uncommon in children and has a good outlook.

Contribution

This is the first reported case of pediatric dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in the Caribbean region and the institution.

Findings

The tumor was successfully biopsied with a 2-mm margin and later excised with a 4-cm margin.

After 6 months of follow-up, there has been no recurrence of the tumor.

Long-term surveillance for recurrence is planned for at least 5 years.

Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare low-grade sarcoma, which rarely metastasizes, but it is locally aggressive with a propensity to recur. It usually affects persons of African descent and is extremely rare in childhood with a favourable prognosis. We present a case of paediatric dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans to the midline of the lower back of a 9-year-old Afro-Caribbean boy who was biopsied with a 2-mm margin. After histological confirmation, a 4-cm margin was then performed. Surveillance for recurrence, though none has been seen thus far after 6-month follow-up, will be done for at least 5 years and possibly longer, given this is the first case of this nature ever seen in our institution and the Caribbean region.

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