Recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with metastases to the lungs and spinal canal: a case report

Authors

  • zhijun li 13582438899
  • Hongwei Li Department of Pathology & Medical Laboratory, The 81st Group Army Hospital of PLA
  • Zheng Pan Department of Imaging, The 81st Group Army Hospital of PLA
  • Xiaodong Niu Department of Pathology & Medical Laboratory, The 81st Group Army Hospital of PLA
  • Yong Huang Department of Pathology & Medical Laboratory, The 81st Group Army Hospital of PLA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.5969

Abstract

Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) has a high local recurrence rate and strong invasiveness after surgical resection, and metastasis rarely occurs. In particular, epidural metastasis within the spinal canal is extremely rare. This article explores the imaging features, pathological characteristics, differential diagnosis, and metastatic mechanisms of DFSP lung and spinal canal metastases through this case.

Case presentation: An elderly male had a recurrence of the surgical site on his back after initial surgery for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans on the back at another hospital and chemotherapy with anlotinib taken orally, and developed pulmonary and epidural metastases within the spinal canal.

Conclusion: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare low - grade malignant mesenchymal tumor originating from the skin fibrous tissue. It is crucial to clarify the scope, depth of DFSP and the local infiltration of the tumor through MRI examination before surgery to reduce the risk of postoperative recurrence and metastasis. If epidural metastasis within the spinal canal occurs, it should be differentiated from lymphoma, leukemia, hemangiopericytoma, infectious lesions and malignant solitary fibrous tumor.

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Published

2026-02-28

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2026)

Section

General Radiology

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Radiology Case Reports

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