Case series on phyllodes tumour of breast in young females: Unusual clinico-radiological presentations in unusual age group—Thinking beyond fibroadenomas!

Abstract

Abstract Background Phyllodes tumours (PT) of the breast are rare primary breast neoplasms, mostly seen in fourth to fifth decades of life. These tumours are exceptionally rare in children and young females. The clinico-radiological features often overlap with fibroadenoma. Though imaging plays a pivotal role in providing an initial diagnostic approach, the final confirmation is dispensed on histopathology, which further classifies PT into either benign, low-grade malignant (borderline), or high-grade malignant. On reviewing the literature, only 20 cases have been reported so far in young females, with majority of them being benign and very few numbers of malignant PT. Case presentation Herein, we report the clinical and imaging features of PT in four young females, of benign, borderline and high-grade malignant categories as confirmed on histopathology, thereby adding few more numbers to the already existing cases. Additionally, our fourth case depicts rare presentation of high-grade malignant recurrent PT in adolescent female with nodal and unilateral ovarian metastases. Conclusions In conclusion, a possibility of PT should be considered in differential diagnosis in a large rapidly enlarging breast mass even in young females with characteristic imaging features, as it alters the plan of management.

Keywords

• Phyllodes tumours
• Breast
• Young females
• Fibroadenoma
• Histopathology
• Benign category