Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans following Tanning Bed Use

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, slowly growing, malignant dermal tumor first described by Darier and Ferrand in 1924.1 It typically occurs in individuals aged 20 to 40 years and frequently arises on the trunk.2 Although the cellular origin of DFSP is not entirely clear, dermal stem cells or undifferentiated mesenchymal cells with fibroblastic, muscular, and neuroectodermal features have been implicated.3 DFSP is a locally aggressive tumor with a high recurrence rate, largely attributed to the spread of tumor by direct local invasion through peripheral and deeply penetrating neoplastic cells into subcutaneous tissue and muscle. As such, there is growing evidence that Mohs micrographic surgery is the treatment of choice.4-5 Although reports of chromosomal aberrations and gene mutations have been described in the literature, excessive sun exposure is not regarded as a risk factor for the development or progression of DFSP.6-9 We describe a case of DFSP in a patient with a history of prolonged tanning bed use.