title: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: an early non-protuberant phase of the tumour.
abstract: A 40-year-old female patient presented with a flat scar like plaque on the upper chest. The patient's perception of subtle change in the lesion was of paramount importance in the decision to biopsy this lesion of innocuous clinical appearance. Histopathological findings were those of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. This case illustrates the early clinical features of the tumour and a recommendation for taking a biopsy of any scar-like plaque where there is no clear history of preceding trauma.
authors: Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Australia. barryl@alphalink.com.au
authors: B V
authors: BV
authors: Lauritz
authors: G H
authors: GH
authors: Mason
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000175:diagnosis; D018223:Dermatofibrosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000175:diagnosis; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013909:Thorax