Phyllodes tumors of the breast diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas.
BACKGROUND
This article compares experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of phyllodes tumors from 2 regional institutions with the relevant literature.


METHODS
From 1991 to 2005, 2,848 breast cancer patients were treated in our institutions, 36 (1.44%) for phyllodes tumors. The average tumor size was 5.1 cm (range 1.4-19.6). Triple assessment was the standard diagnostic algorithm. Wide excision with tumor-free margins was carried out in 29 (80.5%) cases and mastectomy in 7 (19.4%) cases. Axillary lymphadenectomy was performed in patients with positive lymph nodes.


RESULTS
Histology showed the phyllodes tumors to be benign in 27 (75.0%), malignant in 6 (16.6%), and borderline in 3 (8.3%) cases. Follow-up was from 5 months to 16 years. In this period, recurrences of 3 (8.3%) malignant and 2 (5.6%) benign phyllodes tumors were diagnosed and treated. 10 (27.7%) patients treated with wide local excision showed deformities in the form of scarring. The steroid receptor status was of no prognostic value in our patients, and chemotherapy was used in only 1 (2.7%) patient. 5-year survival was 86.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows that tumor size, margin infiltration, mitotic activity and degree of cellular atypia are important prognostic factors. Problems in diagnosing this condition arise from its similarity to fibroadenoma. Although wide local excision is usually the treatment of choice, tumor recurrence is common. Axillary lymphadenectomy in malignant phyllodes tumors is, in our opinion, still controversial.
Fajdić
Josip
J
Department of Surgery, General County Hospital, Pozega, Croatia.
Gotovac
Nikola
N
Hrgović
Zlatko
Z
Kristek
Jozo
J
Horvat
Vlado
V
Kaufmann
Manfred
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D008327:Mammography; D008408:Mastectomy; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D008875:Middle Aged; D008940:Mitotic Index; D009336:Necrosis; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003557:Phyllodes Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D012086:Reoperation; D015996:Survival Rate