Pancreatic metastasis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a rare case

Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue malignancy which is locally aggressive, slow growing. It has a very low metastatic potential and has high risk of local recurrence. We report a 65-year-old man with recurrent DFSP of thigh with pancreatic metastasis. Apart from our patient, only four other cases of pancreatic metastasis of DFSP have been reported. Our patient had a solitary metastasis to pancreas and was treated with distal pancreaticosplenectomy. Outcome of the patient was good. We present this case report to emphasise that resection may be considered for solitary metastasis of DFSP and can be managed successfully.

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment

“…If untreated, the tumors can locally invade more deeply into the fascia, muscle, periosteum, bone and occasionally metastasize to other organs in advanced stages [ 37 ]. The tumor cells most frequently metastasize to lung, brain, bone, visceral organs, lymph nodes and soft tissues [ 13 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. This insidious growing process takes several months or years to as long as 60 years [ 13 , 33 , 34 ].…”

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Surgeon's Enigma

“…The external appearance of the tumor belies the true nature of the tumor cells, which frequently invade the underlying soft tissue into the deep fascia, muscle, periosteum, and bones. Distant metastasis is relatively uncommon, mostly to the lungs, brain, other visceral organs, and draining lymph nodes [ 9 ].…”