African-American race as a risk factor in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Introduction. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance is a rare low grade malignant tumor of the dermis. Recent data reported racial disparity in incidence. This study investigates the African American (AA) race as a risk factor.Methods. A case control study design was conducted. Medical records of patients with DFSP at Stroger Hospital in the period from 1/1/2003 to 12/31/2009, were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathologic characteristics and Disease-recurrence-free survival (DRFS) of the AA and non-AA groups were compared.Results. 40 patients were found 26 were AA. DFSP occurred in AA more than other races, P: 0.004. AA group did not show A different recurrence rate. DRFS among the AA and non-AA were not significantly different, P: 0.6.Conclusion. DFSP is more prevalent in AA race however, the reason is unclear. No evidence on worse DRFS in AA. Multicentral studies are needed.