Phylloides tumor of the breast: a rare neoplasm, though not that innocent.
BACKGROUND
Cystosarcoma phylloides (CP) is an extremely rare form of breast cancer with an unpredictable clinical course. The histological characteristics of this neoplasm have not proved to offer much in the estimation of prognosis of these patients.


METHODS
In our clinics, in a time period of 38 years, 22 patients with cystosarcoma phylloides were treated. There were 5 cases of malignancy, 15 cases with benign tumors, and two cases histologically characterized as borderline neoplasia. Metastases were manifested in one patient. All patients were on a 5-year follow-up, except in five cases, one operated three years ago and four operated within the last two years.


RESULTS
16 of 22 patients did not present any signs of local recurrence or metastases. There were three patients that manifested local recurrence and underwent supplementary ongectomy or mastectomy and are free of recurrence ever since. One patient with metastatic CP died.


CONCLUSIONS
Independently of its histopathological behavior, CP is a tumor difficult to be treated. Meticulous follow-up is mandatory in order to manage possible recurrence of the neoplasm.
Stamatakos
Michael
M
Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Medical School, University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece. stamatakosmih@yahoo.gr.
Tsaknaki
Sofia
S
Kontzoglou
Konstantinos
K
Gogas
John
J
Kostakis
Alkiviades
A
Safioleas
Michael
M