Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast: A Single-Center Experience

Eur J Breast Health. 2020 Dec 24;17(1):36-41. doi: 10.4274/ejbh.2020.5961. eCollection 2021 Jan.

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to analyze the clinicopathological findings, treatment approach, and treatmen outcomes in patients diagnosed with phyllodes tumor (PT).

Materials and methods: The clinicopathological data of 26 patients with PT, who were treated between 2008 and 2019, were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Mean age was 35.07±13.95 years (range: 14-71), while mean tumor size was 54.76±29.24 mm (range: 25-135). Benign, borderline, and malignant PT were detected in 18 (69.2%), 3 (11.5%), and 5 (19.2%) patients, respectively. Marginless excision was performed in 20 patients (76.9%), while six (23.1%) patients underwent mastectomy. A statistically significant correlation of tumor type with mean tumor size and mean age was observed (p=0.041 and p=0.013, respectively). Margin positivity on first excision was more frequent in the malignant tumors (p=0.02). No statistically significant correlation of PT type with presence of breast cancer in the family history, and tumor localization was observed (p=0.79 and p=0.13, respectively). Mean postoperative follow-up duration was 56 months (range: 6-147). Local recurrence was not observed in any of the patients. Lung and left vastus lateralis muscle metastases were encountered. The patient with lung metastasis became exitus because of the same reason 6 months after detection of the metastasis.

Conclusion: PT is a rare fibroepithelial tumor of the breast that is characterized by a mixed histology seen in younger ages when compared to the classical breast tumors. The probability of PT should be considered in the presence of a rapid-growing mass in the breast. In addition, it should also be considered that the contribution of imaging techniques may be limited.

Keywords: Breast; fibroepithelial lesion; phyllodes tumor.