# Fibrosarcomatous Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of the Head

**Authors:** Renato C Galvan, Paul Vincent Opinaldo

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60110 · Cureus · 2024-05-11

## TL;DR

A rare case of fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in the head is presented, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on fibrosarcomatous DFSP of the head and its management.

## Key findings

- The tumor recurred after surgical excision and caused neurological symptoms.
- Imatinib treatment led to significant tumor reduction and resolution of brain compression.
- A multi-disciplinary approach is essential for managing this rare tumor.

## Abstract

This article highlights the case of a 37-year-old male who presented with a recurrent, exponentially enlarging head mass, emphasizing the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with a very rare type of tumor, fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) of the head. Our patient presented with a rapidly growing head mass, initially diagnosed as a spindle cell tumor, and was managed with surgical excision and skin flap grafting. Follow-up revealed relapse and interval development of hemiparesis and hemisensory loss. MRI revealed tumor recurrence, with compression of the right parietal lobe and superior sagittal sinus. Histopathology revealed stroma with fascicles of spindle cells homogenous to fibrillar cytoplasm, with oval vesicular nuclei. Immunohistochemical staining showed positivity for CD34 and SMA. Oral chemotherapy with imatinib 800 mg/day was started. Follow-up imaging showed a marked reduction in the size of the tumor and resolution of the compression of the underlying brain parenchyma with cystic degeneration and decreased contrast enhancement. Future plans include possible surgical tumor debulking and/or radiation therapy. Although extremely rare, awareness of this tumor, with a multi-disciplinary approach to the management of the case, is vital to maximize treatment outcomes.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** imatinib (PubChem CID 5291)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** CD34 (CD34 molecule) [NCBI Gene 947], SMN1 (survival of motor neuron 1, telomeric) [NCBI Gene 6606] {aka BCD541, GEMIN1, SMA, SMA1, SMA2, SMA3}
- **Diseases:** tumor (MESH:D009369), hemiparesis (MESH:D010291), DFSP (MESH:D018223), spindle cell tumor (MESH:D002277), hemisensory loss (MESH:D010468), head mass (MESH:D006258)
- **Chemicals:** imatinib (MESH:D000068877)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11164572/full.md

## References

15 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11164572/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11164572