Immunohistochemical margin control applied to Mohs micrographic surgical excision of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
BACKGROUND
Surgical treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans has a high rate of recurrence presumably secondary to persistent residual tumor. Recently an antigenic marker, CD34, has demonstrated specificity for this tumor.


OBJECTIVE
To improve the microscopic detection of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans tumor elements in Mohs micrographic surgical sections by incorporating immunohistologic staining.


METHODS
Standard Mohs micrographic surgical technique was used, coupled with standard immunohistochemical procedures using an antibody to the CD34 antigen.


RESULTS
Immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34 of Mohs micrographic sections clearly delineated the extent of the tumor elements.


CONCLUSIONS
We anticipate that the application of this immunohistochemical-modified Mohs surgical technique will further enhance the detection of insidious portions of tumor thereby enhancing removal and reducing recurrence.
Jimenez
F J
FJ
Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Grichnik
J M
JM
Buchanan
M D
MD
Clark
R E
RE
D000293:Adolescent; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D018952:Antigens, CD34; D018223:Dermatofibrosarcoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018952:Antigens, CD34