Background: Surgical treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans has a high rate of recurrence presumably secondary to persistent residual tumor. Recently an antigenic marker, CD34, has demonstrated specificity for this tumor.
Objective: To improve the microscopic detection of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans tumor elements in Mohs micrographic surgical sections by incorporating immunohistologic staining.
Methods: Standard Mohs micrographic surgical technique was used, coupled with standard immunohistochemical procedures using an antibody to the CD34 antigen.
Results: Immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34 of Mohs micrographic sections clearly delineated the extent of the tumor elements.
Conclusions: We anticipate that the application of this immunohistochemical-modified Mohs surgical technique will further enhance the detection of insidious portions of tumor thereby enhancing removal and reducing recurrence.