Chennai, August 2025: In a remarkable medical achievement, the multidisciplinary team at SIMS Hospital successfully treated a young IT professional suffering from Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP), a rare and aggressive skin cancer that swiftly spreads to surrounding tissues, including muscle and bone. In the patient’s case, the cancer had severely affected his scalp and skull. The scalp is now fully covered with healthy and stable tissue. The patient will need regular follow-up for early detection of recurrence, sun protection, and good scalp hygiene.
After the tumour was removed, the patient’s skull was reconstructed. Then, the scalp was repaired in stages using skin grafts ,flaps tissue expander and the final repair using a piece of tissue from the patient’s thigh. A metastatic lung nodule was also removed during the procedure.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans is extremely uncommon, affecting only 1–5 individuals per million. DSFP begins as a painless skin lump or patch and, if untreated, can significantly increase the risk of affecting the skin, muscle and even the bones. The patient had been battling this condition for over 8 years with multiple recurrences despite three prior surgeries.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Krishnamoorthy, Former Director, Plastic Surgery, Institute of Craniofacial, Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery (ICAPS), said, “This was not a single-step surgery. The tumour had eroded both scalp and skull, making each stage, from brain protection and skull repair to hair bearing scalp reconstruction which was highly complex. Careful planning, staged procedures, and precise coordination were key to achieving a safe and lasting outcome.”
Dr. Shyamnath Krishna Pandian K., Consultant, Plastic Surgery, Institute of Craniofacial, Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery (ICAPS), noted, “The greatest challenge in this case was balancing tumour clearance with safe reconstruction. The cancer had invaded critical structures like the skull and was dangerously close to the brain, which meant that every step carried was high risk including the staged procedures, complex reconstructions, and managing recurrences.”
Commenting on this landmark achievement Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SIMS Hospital, said, “This landmark procedure brings in a new era for our hospital and demonstrates our unwavering dedication to quality and innovation in cardiac care. Over the course of the procedure, our team displayed remarkable surgical skill and endurance in handling the case of skull and scalp reconstruction. I am incredibly proud of our staff and clinicians for providing our patients with top-notch care.”
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