Atrophic Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans in an Adolescent Male: A Rare Clinical Variant with Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract Atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare clinical variant that can mimic benign dermatoses, leading to delayed diagnosis – especially in pediatric patients where DFSP itself is uncommon. We report a 15-year-old boy presenting with a slowly enlarging, asymptomatic, depressed plaque over the flank, clinically resembling morphea. Histopathology and CD34 immunopositivity confirmed atrophic DFSP; however, typical storiform pattern of spindle-shaped cells was absent in our case. The lesion was successfully managed with a wide local excision. This case underscores the importance of considering DFSP in atypical atrophic lesions in children, where early recognition is crucial for curative treatment and prevention of recurrence.