title: [Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a study of 18 cases].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is the most common mesenchymatous skin tumor. It is often diagnosed late because of its slow development and the lack of symptoms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To elucidate the epidemio-clinical characteristics of dermatofibrosarcoma in our study. methods: We report a retrospective study of 18 cases of DFS between 1989 and 2009.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean age at diagnosis was 45.2 years. The average delay before consultation was 45.7 months. Three patients reported a history of trauma. The tumor was mainly located on the trunk or the back. The diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans was histologically confirmed in all cases. Immunohistochemical study was achieved in 6 cases and showed positive staining for CD34. The treatment consisted of surgical excision in all patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a low-malignancy potential skin tumor. Treatment of choice is surgery. The main risk is tumor relapse.
authors.forename: Sana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chouk Friaa
authors.forename: Talel
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Badri
authors.forename: Houda
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hammami
authors.forename: Rym
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Benmously
authors.forename: Hayet
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Marrak
authors.forename: Aschraf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Debbiche
authors.forename: Incaf
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mokhtar
authors.forename: Samy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fenniche
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018223:Dermatofibrosarcoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult