Dermatofibrosarcoma A Sarcoma UK Factsheet protuberans (DFSP) produced by Signs and symptoms, the information and support team treatment information and support
DFSP is a rare cancer found MDT and the sarcoma MDT to make sure in the middle layer of the skin, Signs and symptoms to make sure your treatment is provided by clinicians with appropriate skills and called the dermis. experience. DFSP can appear as: • a slow growing, painless lump under the skin What is DFSP? • a scar or a deep seated pimple What treatment is available? • a lump with the skin over it feeling soft DFSP is most commonly found on the torso, and indented Surgery but it can also appear on the arms, legs, • pink to brown in colour and sometimes head and neck. DFSP can affect people of may appear in shades of purple In most cases, surgery is used to treat all ages but it is most common in people DFSP. The surgeon will remove the tumour between the ages of 20 and 50. If DFSP is left for several years the DFSP and will aim to take out an area of normal can grow through the top layer of skin and tissue around it too. This is known as taking DFSP tends to grow slowly and only develop into an ulcer. a surgical margin. It allows any cancer cells rarely spreads to other parts of the body. that are not visible to the naked eye to be However, it is important to get correct removed along with the tumour. This can treatment as soon as possible. Without reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. correct treatment, DFSP can grow deep into the fat, muscle, and even bone making it Who will treat me? Rarely there is a risk that taking a wide more difficult to treat. margin will cause significant cosmetic People with DFSP should be referred to a changes or affect how a part of the body Epidermis specialist sarcoma multidisciplinary team works. In these cases the surgeon will not (MDT) for diagnosis and treatment. An remove a margin of healthy tissue and a Dermis MDT is a group of experts from a wide surgical technique called Mohs surgery range of health care professions who is used. will work together to manage your case. Mohs surgery can be carried out by Your MDT will include your key worker or a surgeon who is part of a skin cancer clinical nurse specialist, surgeon and other MDT. It involves removing thin layers of healthcare professionals involved in your Tcancerousalkin sking t oneo u ats a time. These layers care. Your MDT will support you to ensure are then examined for signs of cancer. you get the right treatment. The surgeon will continue to remove layers People with DFSP can benefit from the of skin until080 only8 cancer 80 1free 0 skin40 remains.1 expertise of skin cancer specialists and The aim of Mohs surgery is to remove the plastic surgeons. They can offer specialised DFSP whilesup pdoingortlin minimume@sarco mdamagea.org.u tok the treatments such as Mohs surgery to healthy tissue around it. It is often done treat DFSP. There should be a formal under local anaesthetic so you can usually Our Support Line oers practical and Hypodermis relationship between the skin cancer go home the same day. emotional support and advice to anyone aected by sarcoma. • Our support line is independent & confidential. @Sarcoma_UK @Sarcoma_UK • We believe no question is a silly question. @Sarcoma_UK • We lend a listening ear. uk.sarcoma sarcoma.org.uk We can point you in the right direction. Treatment in rarer cases What if my cancer comes What support is available? back? If DFSP cannot be removed safely Your feelings through surgery then radiotherapy DFSP can sometimes come back in the and chemotherapy can be used. There is no right or wrong way to feel or same area where a previous tumour has react to a diagnosis of DFSP. You may feel been removed. This is called a recurrence. Radiotherapy angry, sad or anxious about the future. If DFSP does reappear, it is important to get You may also have concerns about how This treatment uses high-energy treatment as quickly as possible. This could the news will affect your loved ones. You radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. involve further surgery or radiotherapy. may find comfort in talking through your Radiotherapy is used to treat DFSP that Your treatment will be assessed on an concerns with family members or friends. cannot be removed through surgery. individual basis. Radiotherapy can also be used after It is useful to check for recurrences yourself Talking to us surgery, to kill off any local cancer cells through self-examination. If you are which remain in the area of the tumour. Our Support Line offers practical and worried about your DFSP returning contact emotional support and advice to anyone your doctor or clinical nurse specialist. Chemotherapy affected by sarcoma. They may decide to bring forward the date This treatment uses anti-cancer drugs to of your follow up appointment to investigate • Our support line is independent and destroy cancer cells. A drug called imatinib your concerns. confidential is sometimes used to treat people with • We believe no question is a silly question DFSP that cannot be removed through • We lend a listening ear surgery, or in rare cases where it has • We can point you in the right direction spread to another part of the body. What if my cancer spreads to Imatinib comes in the form of a tablet You may also find it helpful to talk to that you swallow with water after food. another part of my body? your clinical nurse specialist or doctor You may experience side effects such as about your diagnosis; they will be able to tiredness and feeling sick. Your sarcoma It is very rare for DFSP to spread to another answer any questions you may have about clinical nurse specialist can help you part of the body. Treatment may involve your condition. They may also be able manage your symptoms. surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. to put you in touch with a counsellor for This will be assessed on an individual basis. additional support, providing you with a safe, confidential place to talk about your concerns. Your GP will have access to What happens after I have had local counselling services who can provide support to people with cancer. my treatment?
After treatment, you will have regular follow-up appointments for several years. You should receive a follow-up schedule from your sarcoma clinical nurse specialist. The usual practice will include:
• A chance to discuss symptoms • A physical examination to look for any signs of DFSP returning • A chest x-ray to look out for any secondary cancers in the lungs The majority of people recover well from DFSP.
Talking to us
0808 801 0401
Version 1 Our Support Line oers practical and Published: Jan 2020 emotional support and advice to anyone Review date: Jan 2023 aected by sarcoma. • Our support line is independent & confidential. @Sarcoma_UK • We believe no question is a silly question. @Sarcoma_UK • We lend a listening ear. uk.sarcoma sarcoma.org.uk We can point you in the right direction.