Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans misdiagnosed as lipoma: a case report and literature review

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a relatively rare locally aggressive skin tumor. In its early stages, it can be easily confused with benign tumors such as lipomas and fibromas. Negative surgical margins represent the preferred treatment method for DFSP. For patients with advanced, unresectable disease, imatinib is a good option. The high rate of local recurrence remains a significant issue affecting patient prognosis. Here, we report on a case of a 30-year-old male patient with DFSP originating from the pubic symphysis. Due to the nonspecific clinical signs and the imaging findings, coupled with the rarity of DFSP and its location, the patient was misdiagnosed as having a lipoma and underwent surgical treatment. It was only through pathological examination that a diagnosis of DFSP was confirmed. This case emphasizes the importance of considering DFSP in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses, even in atypical locations.