Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans vs Epidermoid Cyst

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
Epidermoid Cyst
Category
Malignant
Benign
Key feature
Rare slow-growing tumor of the dermis. Looks like a firm plaque or nodule on the trunk - low metastatic potential but high local recurrence.
Slow-growing, round, skin-colored lump filled with keratin. Benign but can become painfully infected.
Risk factors
Age 20-50 (most common in young to middle-aged adults); No clearly established environmental risk factors; Previous trauma or surgical scars at the site (debated)
Young to middle-aged adults (most common age group); Male sex (slightly more common); Acne history
Action needed
A slowly growing, firm plaque or nodule on the trunk or limbs
A cyst that becomes red, painful, swollen, or warm (infection)

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that begins in the dermis (middle layer of skin). It most commonly appears on the trunk (40-50% of cases), followed by the extremities and head/neck region.

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Epidermoid Cyst

Epidermoid cysts are the most common type of skin cyst. They are slow-growing, round, firm, mobile nodules located in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, filled with keratin (not sebum, despite the common misnomer "sebaceous cyst").

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Does yours look more like dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans?

Quick self-check

Does this look like dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans? Answer 2 questions.

Is it a firm, slowly growing plaque or nodule on the trunk?

Has it been growing gradually over months or even years?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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