In a rare and complex surgical feat, doctors at SIMS Hospital have successfully reconstructed the scalp and skull of a young IT professional suffering from Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) — a rare, aggressive skin cancer known to spread into deeper tissues such as muscle and bone. The patient’s scalp and skull had been extensively damaged by the disease, but following surgery, the area has been restored with healthy, durable tissue.
The treatment involved multiple stages. Once the tumour was excised, surgeons rebuilt the skull and repaired the scalp using a combination of techniques including flaps, skin grafts, tissue expanders, and ultimately tissue harvested from the patient’s thigh. In the same sitting, a metastatic nodule from the lung was also removed.
DFSP is extremely uncommon, occurring in just one to five cases per million people. It typically begins as a painless lump or patch on the skin but, if left untreated, can infiltrate surrounding skin, muscle, and even bone. This particular patient had battled the disease for over eight years, experiencing multiple recurrences despite undergoing three earlier surgeries.
Dr. Krishnamoorthy, Former Director of Plastic Surgery at the Institute of Craniofacial, Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery (ICAPS), noted the complexity of the case:
“This was far from a one-step procedure. Since the tumour had eroded both scalp and skull, each stage demanded meticulous planning — from safeguarding the brain and reconstructing the skull to restoring the scalp with hair-bearing tissue. Achieving a safe, lasting outcome required precision and teamwork at every step.”
Echoing the challenges, Dr. Shyamnath Krishna Pandian K., Consultant, Plastic Surgery, ICAPS, said:
“The biggest hurdle was ensuring complete tumour removal while enabling safe reconstruction. The cancer’s invasion into the skull and proximity to the brain meant that every stage, from tumour clearance to reconstruction, carried immense risk.”
Congratulating the medical team, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman of SIMS Hospital, remarked:
“This milestone surgery highlights SIMS Hospital’s commitment to excellence and innovation in patient care. The determination and surgical expertise shown by our team in managing such a rare and high-risk case of skull and scalp reconstruction make us truly proud.”
(Photo source: simshospitals.com)