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Factors contributing to the false diagnosis of misleading dermatofibromas
  • Nicholas Florin Kormos,
  • Ioana Daria Paval,
  • Adrian Lucian Baican
Nicholas Florin Kormos
Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Iuliu Hatieganu Facultatea de Medicina

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Ioana Daria Paval
Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Iuliu Hatieganu Facultatea de Medicina
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Adrian Lucian Baican
Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Iuliu Hatieganu Facultatea de Medicina
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Abstract

javascript:void(0) 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.
29 Aug 2024Submitted to Cancer Reports
02 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
02 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
02 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Sep 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Nov 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major