Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)

The five-year and 10-year relative survival rates for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) are about 99%. That means people with DFSP are about as likely to be alive in the years after treatment as similar people who did not have DFSP.

The biggest concern is that the tumor can come back in the same place or near the same area where it was removed. Recurrence depends on treatment and whether the tumor was removed with a clear margin. In some studies, recurrence rates range from 6% to 9% after more complete removal of the tumor. Other studies report rates as high as 50% depending on the treatment. Most recurrences happen in the first three years, but some happen after five years. High-grade DFSP may be more likely to come back than other types of DFSP.

For high-grade dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, also called fibrosarcomatous DFSP, in one study the five-year survival rate was 90% and the 10-year survival rate was 66%. The overall prognosis depends on the treatment and whether the tumor was removed with a clear margin of healthy tissue. This type of DFSP may spread to other parts of the body. The likelihood of the cancer spreading varies widely.

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