Late recurrence of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in the female breast: a case report

The case presented is of a 39-year-old female who, at the age of 13 years, had had a 'dermatofibroma' excised from her left breast. Twenty-six years later she developed an unsightly 'stretched scar'. Excision biopsy demonstrated a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). This was managed by wide local excision, preservation of the nipple-areolar complex, and immediate reconstruction with a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap. Review of the original histology confirmed the presence of DFSP, revising the original diagnosis. Most DFSPs recur within 3 years of primary excision. Such prolonged latency prior to recurrence has not been previously described. This reinforces the need to educate patients regarding the importance of long-term scar surveillance following skin tumour excision. (C) 2004 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.