Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in a resource-limited setting: Diagnostic delays and surgical management in a 10-patient institutional series

Abstract

Delayed diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) remains a challenge in low- and middle-income settings, often leading to large tumours or inadequate primary excisions. Our case series describes ten patients with histologically confirmed DFSP treated at a tertiary care centre in India between 2022 and 2024. All patients underwent wide local excision, with reconstruction using split-thickness skin grafts, local or regional flaps, or mesh reinforcement for abdominal wall defects. Adjuvant radiotherapy was used in selected high-risk cases.