title: [Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: surgical treatment using the Tübingen technique (31 cases)].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare cutaneous sarcoma that progresses slowly. Although it exhibits pronounced local aggressiveness, it rarely metastasises. The condition is difficult to treat on account of asymmetric and unpredictable growth as well as the frequency of relapse. Treatment is primarily surgical.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report 31 cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans operated at the Dermatology Clinic of Novara between 1997 and 2004 using the Tübingen technique. An immunohistochimical study was performed and screening was carried out for possible extension of the neoplasm into muscle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Muscular involvement was seen in 4 cases. No relapses were seen over a median survival period of 3 years and no patients were lost to follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Mohs technique is the surgical method of reference and allows tumour eradication with sparing of healthy tissue. The Tübingen method constitutes an alternative approach requiring fewer histological sections. The results obtained in our series were good and no relapses were seen over a median survival period of 3 years.
authors: Clinique de Dermatologie, Université du Piémont Oriental, Novara, Italie. dermogatto@libero.it
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Gattoni
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Tiberio
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Angeli
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Bornacina
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Boggio
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Annali
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Giacalone
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Cristina
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Leigheb
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018223:Dermatofibrosarcoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods