Scalp Reconstruction in Delayed Diagnosed Dermal Leiomyosarcoma Mimicking Keloid Scar

Abstract

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the skin is a rare smooth muscle neoplasm of all soft tissue sarcoma. Because of its prognostic importance, early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment. Since several features and clinical manifestations are similar to those of a keloid scar, the differential diagnosis between these two diseases is difficult, especially in the early stages of cancer that do not show any remarkable features in appearance, or when the patient has a history of previous wounds or surgery. In our case report, a 71-year-old female patient who underwent a scalp reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh flap turned out to have, because of delayed diagnosis, a dermal LMS mimicking a keloid scar. The case emphasizes careful physical examination for early intervention, even if a lesion looks like a typical keloid scar. After resection, the appropriate reconstruction method can be selected based on the complexity of the defect site.