SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PHYLLODES TUMORS OF THE BREAST: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Objective:Phyllodes tumor of the breast is a rare fibroepithelial tumor. In this study, our aim is to present the clinicopathological characteristics of our patients diagnosed with phyllodes tumor of the breast and our treatment approach to the cases.Materials and Methods:The medical records of a total of 9 patients who had been treated at our clinic between 2003 and 2011 for phyllodes tumor were analyzed retrospectively.Results:The median age of the patients was 38 (20-70) years. The presenting complaint of all patients was a palpable mass in the breast. Six of the patients were diagnosed by tru-cut biopsy, two were diagnosed through excisional biopsy, and one was diagnosed through fine- needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Median tumor size was 9.3 (4-20) cm. Local excision was performed on all but two patients so as to have the surgical border negative and no adjuvant additional treatment was initiated. Mastectomy was performed for one of the two patients and modified radical mastectomy was performed for the other. The follow-up period of the patients was an average of 43 (5-95) months. No breast recurrences were seen during the follow-up period.Conclusion:Pre-operative diagnosis is important for these cases in order to determine the surgical approach. It is difficult to differentiate these tumors from fibroadenoma by ultrasonography and mammography. It is possible to diagnose patients through tissue biopsy. In conclusion, a surgical approach with negative margins for all patients should be taken into consideration since phyllodes tumors are generally benign both clinically and pathologically.

Keywords

• phyllodes tumor
• breast
• segmental mastectomy