title: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in pediatric patients: a report of 17 cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon soft tissue tumor. In children, there are acquired and congenital presentations. Due to clinical similarities with other conditions, diagnosis may be delayed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the clinical characteristics and treatment of DFSP in pediatric patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review was performed from January 2002 to September 2012. Inclusion criteria were patients under 18 years of age with a histopathologic diagnosis of DFSP. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Information was gathered from 17 patients; 9 (53%) were female. Congenital lesions were reported in 7 patients. The mean delay of diagnosis was 5.7 years; the most common anatomic location was the trunk in 8 of 17 (47%) cases. Treatment options included wide local surgery, Mohs surgery, and imatinib mesylate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A detailed medical history and identification of the natural course of common conditions seen in pediatric patients are important to identify less common lesions and to suspect DFSP.
authors.forename: Claudia J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Posso-De Los Rios
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lara-Corrales
authors.forename: Nhung
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ho
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018223:Dermatofibrosarcoma / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy