Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the head and neck.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the head and neck is an unusual, slowly growing malignant tumor of the dermis which is locally infiltrative and recurs persistently. Fifteen cases of dermatofibrosarcoma of the head and neck were studied in detail as to age and sex of patient, location of the tumor, clinical course, and ultimate outcome. Four tumors were of the forehead, four were of the scalp, three were of the chin, two were of the anterior neck, one was of the lateral face, and one was of the postauricular region. Initial diagnosis was sometimes inaccurate, and initial treatment was often inadequate. The treatment of choice following diagnosis is wide local excision and careful follow-up examination.