What Is a Phyllodes Tumor?
Phyllodes tumors (also known as cystosarcoma phyllodes or phyllodes tumors) are rare breast tumors that originate in the connective tissue (known as stroma) rather than the ducts or glands (which is where most breast cancers start). Only a small percentage of phyllodes tumors are malignant (cancerous), while the majority are benign. Phyllodes tumors can affect women of any age, although they are most prevalent in those in their 40s or 50s.
The phyllodes tumors can be,
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Benign (Non-cancerous) - More than half of all phyllodes tumors are benign (non-cancerous) tumors. These tumors have the lowest likelihood of rapidly expanding or spreading.
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Borderline Tumors - They have intermediate features of benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors.
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Malignant (Cancerous) Tumors - Approximately 25% of phyllodes tumors are malignant (cancerous) tumors. These tend to develop the quickest and are more prone to spread or return after treatment.
Phyllodes tumors begin in the breast's stromal or connective tissue. The word phyllodes means "leaf-like." This is due to the leaf-like growth pattern of the tumor. All phyllodes tumors could grow in size, but they hardly ever extend past the breast. Therefore, they can be removed surgically, but they tend to reappear.
What Are the Causes of Phyllodes Tumors?
The origin of phyllodes tumors is unknown. They are more prevalent in women with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (a rare familial genetic condition with a predisposition to various rare cancers). Men are rarely affected. Phyllodes tumors can develop as people age.
The growth of these tumors may be influenced by a number of factors, such as,
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High levels of estrogen hormone in females.
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Injury.
A benign phyllodes tumor does not increase the risk of breast cancer later in life.
What Are the Symptoms of Phyllodes Tumors?
The phyllodes tumors have the following characteristics,
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A phyllodes tumor feels like a breast lump. Usually, it does not hurt. The patient or doctor may discover the lump independently during a routine examination.
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Even when they are benign, they frequently expand rapidly.
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They could appear to be protruding through the skin. They occasionally can stretch the skin or develop a breast ulcer.
How Are Phyllodes Tumors Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of phyllodes tumors might be challenging. They resemble other breast masses, including fibroadenomas, in appearance.
Phyllodes tumors can be diagnosed by,
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When performing a breast self-exam, a person may initially feel the lump. Calling a doctor as soon as a lump is noticed is critical because malignant tumors grow quickly. The doctors can perform tests to confirm the findings.
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First, the doctor will conduct a clinical breast exam. They will look at the size and shape of the lump.
A lump can be identified as a phyllodes tumor by the following tests,
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Mammogram - A normal mammography or ultrasound may reveal something that leads a clinician to suspect a phyllodes tumor. It will display in-depth pictures of the bulge. The shape of a phyllodes tumor is distinctly round or oval. It might contain small calcium flecks.
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Ultrasound - This examination shows images of the internal organs using sound waves. The doctor will use it to determine whether the lump is spherical and well-defined.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Strong magnets and radio waves are used in an MRI scan to create cross-sectional images of the breasts.
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Needle Biopsy - The doctor could perform a core needle biopsy on the lump to confirm the diagnosis. A little piece of tissue is removed using a hollow needle, and a microscope is used to look for indications of malignancy.
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Excisional Biopsy or Lump Removal - This procedure is typically required to obtain a diagnosis. The doctor will take out the entire lump and look at the tissue. This biopsy can determine whether the tumor is benign, cancerous, or borderline.
What Is the Treatment of Phyllodes Tumor?
A phyllodes tumor may develop pain and cause other problems even when it is benign. Therefore, the doctor will advise surgery to have it removed. The surgeon will remove the tumor and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. Phyllodes tumors can be treated surgically in a number of ways. The extent of the tumor and the patient's preferences will determine the type of surgery that will be performed.
The following surgical procedures can be done,
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Lumpectomy - The tumor and at least 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) of surrounding tissue are removed by the surgeon. By removing this excess tissue, the tumor can be kept from returning. A professional known as a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope following surgery. More surgery may be required to remove a larger portion of healthy breast tissue if the surgeon is unsure that all of the tumor cells have been removed.
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Partial Mastectomy - The entire portion of the breast containing the tumor will be removed by the surgeon if it is larger.
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Complete Mastectomy - The surgeon removes the entire breast. Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed concurrently with or following a mastectomy.
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If the tumor is malignant, the doctor might suggest the following therapies-
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Radiation Therapy - High-intensity waves are used in radiation to kill cancer cells. A malignant phyllodes tumor that has not spread outside the breast may be treated with it after surgery.
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Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy kills cancer cells throughout the body by using chemicals. If a cancerous tumor has migrated to other regions of the body, this treatment is an option.
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Follow-up Treatment:
Since phyllodes tumors might return, meticulous monitoring is necessary following surgery.
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Visit the doctor for a breast exam, mammography, and ultrasound within four months to six months of the procedure.
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A magnetic field is used in an MRI test to create images of the body.
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Get routine ultrasounds or mammograms on the timetable that the doctor recommends.
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If the phyllodes tumor removed was malignant, patients might need routine CT scans of the chest and abdomen for five years post-surgery.
Conclusion:
A phyllodes tumor is a rare breast tumor. Phyllodes tumors develop in the breast's stroma or connective tissue. The doctor will want to keep a close eye after the initial tumor is removed. Typically, a doctor may recommend routine mammograms, ultrasounds, breast exams, and MRIs. A doctor may suggest a mastectomy if a malignant tumor reappears. Outlook is excellent if a benign tumor is surgically removed. Malignant phyllodes tumors are frequently cured by treatment but are more prone to recur. They can spread to the lungs from the breast. The survival percentage for females with malignant phyllodes tumors is still very high.
