Abstract
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Background and Objectives: Dermatofibromas (DF) are common benign skin
lesions with unclear etiology, possibly reactive or tumoral. This study
aims to evaluate the incidence of DF misdiagnosis and correlate
histopathological findings with clinical interpretations. Methods: The
extraction for this retrospective study was conducted from 8035
excisions performed between 2016 and 2022 by 9 physicians. A total of 50
cases with conclusive histopathological diagnoses of DF and 33 clinical
cases of DF were identified. A p-value of <0.05 was considered
statistically significant. Results: The clinical arm included 33 cases,
with 7 having DF in the differential diagnosis. The mean age for a
confident DF diagnosis was 57.86 years, compared to 44.35 years for a
probable diagnosis (p=0.023). Diagnosis accuracy was 69% for certain
cases vs 43% for probable cases. DF on legs had higher clinical
uncertainty, 6/7 vs 9/26 (p=0.016). In the histopathological arm of 50
patients, lesions on lower extremities had higher correct diagnosis
rates (p=0.024) and were least accurate on the torso (p=0.009).
Conclusions: DF can pose a challenge even for experienced clinicians.
Location is crucial as DF may escape diagnosis in less common areas.
Patient’s age and physician’s expertise induce uncertainty.