Presentation of an unusual variant of cellular dermatofibroma: a case report

Dermatofibromas (DF), also known as cutaneous fibrous histiocytomas, are benign soft-tissue tumours that are typically asymptomatic. These lesions most commonly appear on the distal extremities and are frequently seen in young to middle-aged individuals. Diagnosis is primarily based on histopathological examination, which generally aligns with radiological findings. This report highlights an atypical variant of cellular DF, in a 26-year-old female who presented with a painless foot ulcer on her lower leg. Initially, the lesion was suspected to be a sarcoma. After excision, the diagnosis was confirmed through histopathological analysis. Cellular DF are challenging to diagnose as they can mimic more aggressive tumours, such as malignant fibrous histiocytomas or dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. While DF are common, their atypical variants, like cellular dermatofibroma, can complicate diagnosis and require timely diagnosis and effective management.