DFSP and Mohs

Kavita Mariwalla, MD answers: Are all Mohs surgeon qualified to deal with DFSP tumor?

Who is the most qualified MOHS surgeon that can deal with DFSP (Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberan) on the face?

Hi, I had a MOHS surgery on my face to remove a DFSP tumor about 2 years ago. The surgeon missed to reove one piece of tissue under my nose that I felt was DFSP.

This week, my surgeon went to the same place and had a biopsy and found out that the tissue I was talking about was DFSP.

Should I seek a second opinion or should I find a specialist that deals with this type of cancer? Thanks Thanks


Kavita Mariwalla, MD
1 month ago

Dear Hope for a cure,

DFSP is a notoriously difficult tumor to treat. First, because it is an aggressive tumor and second, because it recurs often. Mohs is the best way to go because it is a tissue sparing technique (the surgeon can look at the tissue while you wait).

Given the location, you may want to go to a place where the DFSP can be cleared with Mohs and then you can have facial plastics reconstruction. The problem is that few people will flap an area of DFSP because it can hide recurrence so your repair options may be limited. It will be difficult to find a Mohs surgeon who has done "a lot" of DFSP because in general, it is a rare tumor and even more rarely occurs on the face (typically it is on the trunk).

You may consider an academic center in your area or speak openly about your concern with your Mohs surgeon.

Best of luck,

Dr. Mariwalla

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