Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans in Black Patients

Twelve cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in Black patients admitted to Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, between 1979 and 1983 are reviewed. The cause of this slow-growing, low-grade malignant fibrous histiocytoma is unknown, but there is some evidence that trauma may be a predisposing factor. The clinical and histological features of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans are described, and treatment by wide tridimensional excision with local reconstruction is recommended.