title: Usefulness of ultrasounds in the management of breast phyllodes tumors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Breast phyllodes tumors (PT) are uncommon fibroepithelial lesions having potential malignant features. These tumors have characteristic features, like pleomorphism, mitoses and overgrowth of the stroma with possible infiltrative margins. The clinical behaviour could be unpredictable, since the relatively high recurrence rate despite correct surgical strategy. Conventional diagnostic examinations show high sensitivity and specificity, but cannot demonstrate the differences between benign and malignant PT. MRI is not more effective.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen patients affected by PT have been surgically treated at our Institution. All patients received mammography and ultrasonography (US) as preoperative diagnostic work-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  in 13 patients, US was effective in preoperative diagnosis of PT. Mammography was uneffective in detecting breast lesions in 5 cases, while in 11 cases mammographic findings presented benign features, with a round opacity with moderate tissue density and well-defined wall.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  US remains the most useful diagnostic test in detecting PT. However, there is no test effective in identifying malignat PT. In case of suspicion, fine needle biopsy should be performed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery P. Valdoni, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bernardi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cavallaro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Indinnimeo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fiore
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Basso
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: D'Ermo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Toma
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cavallaro
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D003557:Phyllodes Tumor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color