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Basics

Clinical Manifestations

Diagnosis

Diagnosis-icon.jpg Differential Diagnosis

Cysts and Lipomas
  • Compressible or feel rubbery on palpation

Melanocytic Nevus
  • Not firm as dermatofibromas

Melanoma (Nodular Type)
  • Is more variable in shape and size than a dermatofibroma

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
  • This is a locally aggressive tumor with a high recurrence rate. Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon soft tissue neoplasm with intermediate- to low-grade malignancy; metastases rarely occur.

Management-icon.jpg Management

  • No treatment is necessary; however, local excision can be performed for biopsy confirmation or cosmetic concerns, or if the lesion is symptomatic.

  • Deep shave excision is another alternative; however, the lesion may recur.

Helpful-Hint-icon.jpg Helpful Hints

  • If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, a biopsy should be performed.

  • The patient should be informed that if the lesion is removed, the scar may be more cosmetically objectionable than the original lesion.