At just 12 years old, a child in Indonesia was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare type of cancer — Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP). This soft-tissue tumor is slow-growing but can be aggressive if not detected early.

Dr. Eva Krishna Sutedja from the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran documented the case to help clinicians worldwide recognize the signs and optimize treatment. The tumor appeared as a firm, skin-colored mass on the child’s back, gradually enlarging over months. Its rarity in pediatric cases makes diagnosis challenging, often leading to delays.

Detailed pathological analysis confirmed the DFSP diagnosis, and surgical removal was performed to prevent spread. From an analytical standpoint, this case underscores the importance of awareness among healthcare providers — unusual skin growths in children should not be overlooked or dismissed as benign without thorough examination.

By sharing this case, the team aims to improve early detection rates and treatment success, ultimately reducing the physical and emotional toll on young patients and their families.

The work contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, showing how rare disease research can inform better clinical practices. It also enhances Universitas Padjadjaran’s reputation for contributing valuable global medical knowledge, reinforcing its position in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.