Cystosarcoma phylloides

Malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast with heterologous osteosarcoma and chondrosarcomatous differentiation: A rare case report with imaging findings

Phyllodes tumors of the breast are rare fibroepithelial neoplasms accounting for 0.3%-1.5% of all female breast tumors [1,2]. Malignant transformations occur in 10%-20% of phyllodes tumors, often in the form of stroma. Heterologous osteosarcoma and chondrosarcomatous differentiation of phyllodes tumor are extremely rare, and little is known about their imaging findings. Here, we report a rare case of a 52-year-old woman with no history of previous surgery or radiation therapy, who presented with a rapidly growing right breast mass that was diagnosed as a malignant phyllodes tumor with heterologous osteosarcoma and chondrosarcomatous differentiation. The patient underwent modified radical mastectomy.

Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast: A Literature Review

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) of the breast are considered a rare fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast and are considered a challenging for both pathologists and surgeons. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified PTs histologically as benign, borderline, and malignant. PTs can be detected in all ages; however, the median age of presentation is 45 years. PTs can mimic fibroadenoma in clinical presentations. Breast imaging is also similar to fibroadenomas. Cytological diagnosis of PTs by biopsy is usually unreliable. However, a core needle biopsy is superior to fine-needle aspiration. Surgery is considered the mainstay treatment for PTs of the breast with a goal of achieving negative margins. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy use for malignant PTs are controversial.

Risk Factors for Recurrence of Malignant Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast

BACKGROUND/AIM

In this study, the treatment outcome and risk factors for recurrence in patients undergoing surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast (MPTB) were analyzed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-three patients (61.4%) underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and 27 (38.6%) underwent mastectomy. Fifteen patients (21.4%) received adjuvant RT.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 76 months, the 7-year local control (LC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cause-specific survival (CSS) rates were 90.7%, 85.2%, 80.3%, and 87.1%, respectively. Either the extent of surgery or treatment with adjuvant RT did not affect the outcomes. On multivariate analysis, the presence of tumor necrosis was associated with inferior DFS (p=0.017), while infiltrative tumor border showed a marginal significance (p=0.078). When stratified using these two adverse pathological features, the 7-year DFS rates were 100%, 54.9%, and 55.6% in patients with 0, 1, and 2 risk factors, respectively (p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

MPTB patients undergoing surgery with or without adjuvant RT had a favorable outcome. Although there was no local recurrence in patients treated with adjuvant RT, the effect of adjuvant RT failed to reach a statistical significance. Risk-grouping based on pathological features might help design a clinical trial for MPTB.

Benign Breast Tumours - Diagnosis and Management

With improvements in breast imaging, mammography, ultrasound and minimally invasive interventions, the detection of early breast cancer, non-invasive cancers, lesions of uncertain malignant potential, and benign lesions has increased. However, with the improved diagnostic capabilities comes a substantial risk of false-positive benign lesions and vice versa false-negative malignant lesions. A statement is provided on the manifestation, imaging, and diagnostic verification of isolated benign breast tumours that have a frequent manifestation, in addition to general therapy management recommendations. Histological evaluation of benign breast tumours is the most reliable diagnostic method. According to the S3 guideline and information gained from analysis of the literature, preference is to be given to core biopsy for each type of tumour as the preferred diagnostic method. An indication for open biopsy is also to be established should the tumour increase in size in the follow-up interval, after recurring discrepancies in the vacuum biopsy results, or at the request of the patient. As an alternative, minimally invasive procedures such as therapeutic vacuum biopsy, cryoablation or high-intensity focused ultrasound are also becoming possible alternatives in definitive surgical management. The newer minimally invasive methods show an adequate degree of accuracy and hardly any restrictions in terms of post-interventional cosmetics so that current requirements of extensive breast imaging can be thoroughly met.

Phyllodes tumor of the breast with nipple discharge: A case report

RATIONALE

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) of the breast are rare biphasic fibroepithelial neoplasms which usually present with unilateral palpable breast lumps. Here we reported a case of borderline PTs with multifocal intraductal lesions whose primary clinical manifestation was nipple discharge.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A rare case of PT with nipple discharge in a 26-year-old young lady accepted a wide local excision on her left breast, and the pathological examination turned out to be a malignant phyllodes tumor. After a 12-month follow-up, no local or distant recurrence was observed.

DIAGNOSIS

Borderline PTs with multifocal intraductal lesions INTERVENTIONS:: The patient received wide local excision with clear margin. After the operation, the patient is undergoing surveillance through ultrasonography and physical examination every 3 months.

OUTCOMES

After a follow-up of 12 months, no local or distant recurrence was observed.

LESSONS

The lesions of the PTs are often manifested with unilateral, palpable masses in the breast. There are very few case reports of PTs manifested with nipple discharge in the literature. We should improve the understanding of the multiple clinical manifestations of PTs.

Metastasis of Mammary Gland Malignant Phyllodes Tumor to the Mandibular Region: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Phyllodes tumor is a rare breast tumor described by Müller (1938) as a lesion comprising leaflike stromal fibrous components and narrow cysts. The frequency of distant metastasis from this entity is reportedly approximately 20%, and no effective therapy has been established, so the prognosis is poor. This report describes the case of a 60-year-old woman with a history of left lung resection who showed metastasis of a mammary gland malignant phyllodes tumor to the oral cavity. Intraoral examination showed an elastic, hard mass measuring 28 × 27 mm in the gingiva around the left mandibular second molar. Biopsy examination showed growth of giant cells and roughly circular cells showing positivity for S-100, p63, and vimentin on immunohistochemical staining. The authors diagnosed metastasis of the mammary gland malignant phyllodes tumor to the left mandible and performed cyber knife irradiation (44 Gy in 5 fractions) of the left mandible. The mass in the oral cavity disappeared after cyber knife irradiation, but the patient died of direct invasion to the spine.

Malignant Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast

Phyllodes tumors of the breast are rare lesions that historically have been presumed to be related to fibroadenomata, largely by virtue of the entities' histologic similarities. We report four cases of malignant phyllodes tumors (cystosarcoma phyllodes) of the breast, three showing liposarcomatous differentiation and one showing chondrosarcomatous and osteosarcomatous differentiation, each of which had demonstrable histologic continuity with benign fibroadenomata; one patient had a prior and concurrent history of multiple bilateral fibroadenomata. We postulate that fibroadenomata and phyllodes tumors (benign, borderline, and malignant) may constitute a spectrum of one stromal disease analogous to mammary epithelial hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia, in situ, and invasive carcinoma. Int J Surg Pathol 3(1):17-22, 1995

Phyllodes tumour with heterologous sarcomatous differentiation: Case series with literature review

INTRODUCTION

Phyllodes tumours are rare fibroepithelial malignancies of the breast, accounting for less than 1% of malignant breast tumours. Further malignant differentiation of phyllodes tumours can occur, resulting in cases of extremely rare heterologous sarcomatous differentiation.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Two females in their fifties were diagnosed with malignant phyllodes tumour associated with heterologous sarcomatous differentiation. The first patient, aged 50 had phyllodes tumour with chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and ductal carcinoma-in-situ. The second patient, aged 53 had phyllodes tumour with osteosarcoma and liposarcoma.

DISCUSSION

The association of phyllodes tumour and heterologous sarcomatous differentiation is rare, with only 4 previously reported cases in English literature. The paucity of evidence presents challenges in its management with uncertain prognosis and monitoring requirements for two aforementioned patients.

CONCLUSION

Further case series and long-term follow up is required for accurate characterisation of phyllodes tumours with heterologous sarcomatous differentiation.

Giant malignant phyllodes tumour of breast

The term phyllodes tumour includes lesions ranging from completely benign tumours to malignant sarcomas. Clinically phyllodes tumours are smooth, rounded, and usually painless multinodular lesions indistinguishable from fibroadenomas. Percentage of phyllodes tumour classified as malignant ranges from 23% to 50%. We report a case of second largest phyllodes tumour in a 35-year-old lady who presented with swelling of right breast since 6 months, initially small in size, that progressed gradually to present size. Examination revealed mass in the right breast measuring 36×32 cms with lobulated firm surface and weighing 10 kgs. Fine needle aspiration cytology was reported as borderline phyllodes; however core biopsy examination showed biphasic neoplasm with malignant stromal component. Simple mastectomy was done and specimen was sent for histopathological examination which confirmed the core biopsy report. Postoperatively the patient received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient is on follow-up for a year and has not shown any evidence of metastasis or recurrence.

A case of large phyllodes tumor causing "rupture" of the breast: a unique presentation

Introduction. Phyllodes tumors are rare fibroepithelial tumors which constitute less than 1% of all known breast neoplasms. The importance of recognizing these tumors lies in the need to differentiate them from fibroadenomas and other benign breast lesions to avoid inappropriate surgical management. We report a case of large phyllodes tumor which caused rupture of the breast and presented as an external fungating breast mass, a presentation which is exceedingly rare. Case Presentation. A 32-year-old female presented with a 1-year history of a mass in her right breast and eruption of the mass through the skin for the last 3 months. On physical examination, an ulcerated, irregular, and nodular mass measuring 9 × 8 cms was found hanging in the lower and outer quadrant of the right breast. Ultrasonography revealed an exophytic mass with heterogeneous echotexture and vascularity. Under general anesthesia, the tumor was excised. The resected specimen was 9.5 × 8.5 × 4.5 cm in size and the tumor was not invasive to the surrounding tissues. Histological examination confirmed a benign case of Phyllodes tumor. Conclusion. Clinicians should be aware of the myriad ways in which Phyllodes can present. A rapidly growing breast mass in a female should raise strong suspicion for Phyllodes. It is necessary to differentiate it from fibroadenomas to avoid inappropriate surgical management which may lead to local recurrence.

Phyllodes tumor of the breast: a retrospective study of the impact of histopathological factors in local recurrence and distant metastasis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The challenging issue for the breast surgeons is local recurrence of phyllodes tumor. The histological criteria to predict local recurrence has been a controversial issue. The objective of this study was to determine pathological parameters and surgical margins that influence outcome of local recurrence and distant metastasis in phyllodes tumor (PT).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective review between January 2003 to August 2008 at King Hussein Cancer Center-Jordan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-two female patients diagnosed as having PT were classified to benign, borderline and malignant. The medical records were reviewed in relation to the surgical management, recurrence, follow-up, the histological features of the tumor and grading of tumors based on the following histological parameters: mitotic count, stromal cellularity, stromal overgrowth, cellular pleomorphism, nuclear grade, tumor necrosis, tumor margin, and surgical margin status. All patients underwent wide local excision of the tumor or mastectomy.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with PT (16 benign, 9 borderline, 17 malignant PT) were followed up for 30 months. The mean age was 39.8 years, and the average tumor size was 6.6 cm. The recurrence rate of PT in our study was 21% at a mean time of 11 months. Nine patients had local recurrence; 2 benign, 6 malignant and 1 borderline. Cellular pleomorphism had correlation with recurrence rate (P=.045). We had six patients (14%) with distant metastasis. All had malignant PT. Metastasis in PT has a relationship with histological grade (P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that patients with moderate and severe cellular pleomorphism had higher local recurrence, while metastatic PT occur more in patients with high nuclear grade.

A very large malignant phyllodes tumor with skin ulceration and nipple areola complex involvement-still a reality!!!

Cystosarcoma phyllodes is an uncommon neoplasm of the breast, constituting 0.3-0.9 % of all breast tumors. The incidence of malignant phyllodes tumor is even lower. The tumor is similar to fibroadenoma in structure, but it is distinguished from it histologically by large leaf-like projections of stroma with increased stromal cellularity (Dyer et al. Br J Surg 53:450-455, 1966). Although surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment, the extent of surgery required (excision vs. mastectomy) and the need for additional local therapy, such as radiotherapy, are unclear (Chaney et al. Cancer 89(7):1502-1511, 2000). We report a case of a 52-year-old married woman who presented to our outpatient department with 45 × 35 × 20 cm ulcerative, foul-smelling, huge right breast mass weighing 12 kg, and involving nipple areola complex, which turned out to be a malignant phyllodes tumor. The malignant variant of phyllodes tumor is indeed a very rare mammary tumor.

Update on Fibroepithelial Lesions of the Breast

This article focuses on current issues relating to fibroepithelial lesions, predominantly those with cellular stroma, and covers key pathologic features, differential diagnosis, and pitfalls. Phyllodes tumors are emphasized, including the histologic categorization and prognostic features of these lesions. The management of fibroepithelial lesions on needle core biopsy is reviewed.

Histologic examination of two cases of cystosarcoma phylloaes with pulmonary metastases

BACKGROUND

Cystosarcoma phyllodes (CP) is a rare neoplasm of the breast. Many studies of the histology of CP have been reported. However, few reports have included an evaluation of the histologic appearance of pulmonary metastases, or the change in histologic grade as a function of time in patients with recurrent tumors.

METHODS

We treated two patients with pulmonary metastases, CP from 1973 to 1995. One patient died of respiratory failure. The other underwent six operations for CP. We evaluated the histologic characteristics of these metastases and changes in the histologic grade of recurrent tumors.

RESULTS

The primary lesions in these two cases were typical high-grade malignant tumors. Case 1 had multiple pulmonary metastases and histologic findings indicated typical malignant CP. Case 2 had a solitary pulmonary metastasis and histologic findings showed low-grade malignant CP, which could be resected. The first patient died of respiratory failure ten months after surgery. The second had no further pulmonary metastases although she had frequent local recurrences, and the histologic features of these tumors became progressively worse.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that patients with malignant CP be followed closely and that when pulmonary metastases are detected, they should be resected if possible, because pulmonary metastatic tumors may represent lower-grade malignant CP.

Malignant phyllodes tumor of the female breast: association of primary therapy with cause-specific survival from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program

BACKGROUND

Malignant phyllodes tumor is a rare and potentially aggressive breast neoplasm. Little information is available regarding the optimal management of these lesions and rarer still are data regarding survival. The current study used a large population database to determine prognostic factors that predict cause-specific survival (CSS).

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) for the years 1983-2002. Women receiving resection for primary nonmetastatic malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast were included (n = 821). Analyses of patient, pathologic, and treatment characteristics were performed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses for the CSS endpoint.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 5.7 years, CSS was 91%, 89%, and 89%, at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Mastectomy was performed in 428 women (52%) and wide excision or lumpectomy in 393 (48%). Women undergoing mastectomy were significantly older (P = .004) and had larger tumors (P = .009). Wide excision was associated with equivalent or improved CSS relative to mastectomy on univariate and multivariate analyses. Older age predicted for cause-specific mortality on multivariate analysis. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) predicted for worse CSS when implemented compared with surgery alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Mastectomy was not found to provide a benefit in CSS compared with wide excision in malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast. Women undergoing wide excision had at the minimum similar cancer-specific mortality compared with those who received mastectomy. The role of adjuvant RT is uncertain and requires further investigation.

Surgical treatment of phyllodes tumors of the breast: retrospective review of 172 cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are uncommon biphasic breast tumors that usually occur in adult females. They are composed of a benign epithelial component and a cellular, spindle cell stroma forming a leaf-like structure. No one morphologic finding is reliable in predicting the clinical behavior of the tumor. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinicopathologic factors associated with outcome and metastasis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 172 patients seen at Mackay Memorial Hospital from January 1985 to December 2003. Clinical data analyzed included age, presenting symptoms and signs, tumor size, location, type of surgery, time to recurrence, and metastasis. The clinicopathologic factors associated with outcome and metastasis were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test with Yate correction.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 71 months (range 7-237). The mean age was 37 years (range 11-73). The majority of tumors were found in the upper outer quadrant (46.0%), with an equal propensity to occur in either breast (48.8% vs. 50.0%). The pathologic diagnoses included 131 benign, 12 borderline, and 29 malignant lesions. Nineteen patients (11%) had a recurrence and three (1.7%) had metastases. The initial diagnosis of all 19 recurrent tumors were benign. Age, surgical approach, mitotic activity, and surgical margin were significantly correlated with recurrence (P = 0.029, 0.020, 0.048, and 0.00018, respectively). Stromal cellularity, stromal overgrowth, stromal atypia, mitotic activity, tumor margin, and heterologous stromal elements were significantly correlated with metastases (P = 0.032, 0.00008, 0.000002, 0.004, 0.005, and 0.046, respectively). Mammography and breast echo were not reliable for differentiating PTs from fibroadenomas (6.9% vs. 37.9% and 3.3% vs. 45%, respectively). Frozen section was of limited value (41.6%). The role of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy remains to be defined. Local excision, wide excision, or mastectomy with negative surgical margins yielded high local control rates (88.7%, 88.2%, and 100%, respectively), but local excision was associated with a relatively high percentage of positive surgical margins (18.3%). A total of 42 modified radical mastectomies were performed. The reasons for these procedures included a diagnosis of malignancy on frozen section or because the tumors were so large, they were assumed to be carcinomas. No axillary lymph node metastases were found. Fifteen patients in our series had tumors with infiltrating tumor margin, severe stromal overgrowth, atypia, and cellularity. All three patients with metastases (3/15) were in this group. Presence of metastases was significantly correlated with this group (P = 0.0000038).

CONCLUSIONS

Wide excision with a clear margin may be the preferable initial therapy, even for malignant PTs. Routine axillary lymph node dissection is not recommended. Patients have tumors with infiltrating tumor margin, severe stromal overgrowth, atypia, and cellularity are at high risk for metastases.

Perioperative diagnosis of cystosarcoma phyllodes of the breast may be enhanced by MIB-1 index

BACKGROUND

The recurring theme in cystosarcoma phyllodes (CSP) is one of underdiagnosis by pathologists and undertreatment by surgeons. Major areas of investigation relating to the diagnosis of CSP center on accurate preoperative diagnosis, elucidating the relevance of histological classification with respect to outcome, and identifying novel markers to reliably differentiate CSP from fibroadenoma (FA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen CSP and 7 cellular FA controls (where the preoperative diagnosis was unclear) were retrospectively investigated. Preoperative histological and radiological investigations were reviewed for efficacy. The ability of MIB-1 antibody to differentiate the two fibroepithelial lesions was investigated using immunohistochemical estimation of the MIB-1 index.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Preoperative core biopsy had a sensitivity of 75% but was carried out in only 23% of cases. Fine needle aspiration cytology and radiological assessment were not efficacious in preoperative diagnosis. Proliferative activity (MIB-1 indices) was significantly higher in CSP than in a selected population of FA where there was preoperative diagnostic uncertainty (P < 0.0001). Indices were also able to determine CSP subclassification. This suggests MIB-1 as a constructive adjunctive investigation when evaluating histological features to differentiate CSP from FA in difficult cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of MIB-1 may increase the sensitivity of preoperative core biopsy diagnosis, offering more effective surgical planning and decreasing immediate reoperation rates.

Malignant phyllodes tumor

The study aims to evaluate the survival and prognosis of patients with malignant phyllodes tumor. Between 1982 and 1998, 37 women with malignant phyllodes tumor were treated at the Regional Cancer Center, Trivandrum. Twelve patients were recurrent. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Patient, disease, and treatment factors were compared using log-rank test. The Cox-proportional hazard model was employed to identify the prognostic factors. Thirty-six patients had surgery. Twenty-five patients received postoperative radiotherapy, and 2 received chemotherapy in addition. The median follow-up was 43 months (range 1-170 months). Eight patients failed locally, and 7 of these were successfully salvaged by surgery. The 5-year overall survival was 74.2% (95% CI, 0.44 to 0.89), whereas 5-year disease-free survival was 59.6% (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.7). The margin of surgical excision was found to be the only independent prognostic factor (p=0.003). However, patients with tumor size more than 5 cm (hazard ratio 2.9) were found to have increased hazard, whereas those receiving adjuvant radiotherapy (hazard ratio 0.6), married women (hazard ratio 0.4), and those women over the age of 35 years (hazard ratio 0.7) showed a decreased hazards. Cystosarcoma phyllodes is a rare malignancy of the female breast. Surgery with adequate margins is the primary treatment. Adjuvant radiotherapy appears to improve the disease-free survival.

Phyllodes tumours

Phyllodes tumours are rare fibroepithelial lesions that account for less than 1% of all breast neoplasms. With the non-operative management of fibroadenomas widely adopted, the importance of phyllodes tumours today lies in the need to differentiate them from other benign breast lesions. All breast lumps should be triple assessed and the diagnosis of a phyllodes tumour considered in women, particularly over the age of 35 years, who present with a rapidly growing "benign" breast lump. Treatment can be by either wide excision or mastectomy provided histologically clear specimen margins are ensured. Nodal metastases are rare and routine axillary dissection is not recommended. Few reliable clinical and histological prognostic factors have been identified. Local recurrence occurs in approximately 15% of patients and is more common after incomplete excision. It can usually be controlled by further surgery. Repeated local recurrence has been reported without the development of distant metastases or reduced survival. Approximately 20% of patients with malignant phyllodes tumours develop distant metastases. Long term survival with distant metastases is rare. The role of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal manipulation in both the adjuvant and palliative settings remain to be defined.

Cystosarcoma phyllodes: the Western Australian experience

BACKGROUND

Cystosarcoma phyllodes is a rare breast tumour whose behaviour is not well understood by many clinicians.

METHODS

In 1998 a retrospective study was undertaken of women diagnosed with phyllodes tumour of the breast who had their initial surgery between 1983 and 1994 in Western Australian public hospitals.

RESULTS

Forty women were diagnosed and treated over this period; however, only 28 received ongoing follow-up (70%). Follow-up was obtained on 26 of these. The median age at diagnosis in this group was 46 years. Cases were predominantly Caucasian (85.5%). Postmenopausal women were affected in 26.9% of cases. Four patients had recurrences after surgery (one malignant and three benign). No patient had a recurrence with primary tumours with a diameter of < or = 2 cm. Mean time to recurrence was 35.8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast-conserving surgery was used in almost all cases (96.2% of first operations).

Giant malignant phyllodes tumor with(99m)Tc-Ses-tamibi accumulation: Report of a case

We report a case of a giant malignant phyllodes tumor examined by(99m)Tc-ses-tamibi (MIBI) mammoscintigraphy. The patient was a 51 year-old woman who complained of bleeding from a large mass in her right breast. The tumor was well circumscribed, with an ulcerized surface. The accumulation of(99m)Tc-MIBI in the tumor was recognized on(99m)Tc-MIBI scintigraphy. A standard radical mastectomy was performed with a wide margin of skin. The resected specimen measured 20 X 17 X 13 cm, weighed 2100 g and was histologically diagnosed as a malignant phyllodes tumor. The skin defect was reconstructed by a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, with good cosmetic results.(99m)Tc-MIBI scintigraphy may have the potential to distinguish a malignant from benign phyllodes tumors.

Phyllodes tumours of the breast: a clinicopathological review of thirty-two cases

We have reviewed the histological features and clinical outcome in 32 women with phyllodes tumours of the breast diagnosed in Nottingham between 1975 and 1990. We assessed 23 tumours as histologically benign, four as borderline and five as malignant. After clinical follow up for periods ranging from 36 months to 221 months (median 135 months), six of 23 benign tumours have recurred locally; in all these cases the original tumours had been incompletely excised. There were no recurrences amongst 10 benign tumours in which excision had been complete. Benign tumours which recurred showed a tendency to greater stromal cellularity and more pronounced stromal overgrowth than incompletely excised lesions which did not recur, but these differences were not statistically significant. The recurrent tumours resembled the respective original lesions histologically, except in one case in which two local recurrences were histologically malignant. The recurrent tumours were controlled by further excision or mastectomy in all cases and none have metastasized. All four borderline tumours were completely excised at initial surgery and none have recurred or metastasized. One of the five malignant tumours recurred within two months of incomplete excision, with widespread infiltration of the chest wall, although the patient died of unrelated causes. The other four malignant tumours have not recurred. We conclude that presence of tumour at the margins of the excised specimen is the major determinant of local recurrence in phyllodes tumours and that the histological features are of secondary importance. These findings are discussed in relation to other published series in the literature.

A Malignant Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast in a 6-Year Old Girl

We recently encountered a 6-year-old girl with a malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast. The patient's mother noticed a tumor on the right breast of her first doughter at 8 months after from her birth. The baby was brought to the Second Depertment of Surgery, University of Tokushima, at age 20 months. We recommended removal of the 3.5 x 2.9 cm tumor in the right breast, but it was not done. Next, she visited our department at 6 years of age because the tumor had gradually enlarged, reaching a size of 4.3 &timus; 4.0 cm. She underwent excisional resection of the tumor, and the tumor was diagnosed as a malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast coexisting with a borderline phyllodes tumor. To our knowledge, this is the youngest reported case of a malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast. Moreover, the malignant lesion was positive for estrogen receptor (ER) and showed strong proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining. On the other hand, the borderline part was negative for ER and showed weak PCNA staining. Thus, in the present case, the expression of ER, the exposure to estrogen (for example, the mother's estrogen during gestation) and increase in the proliferation rate may have played important roles in the mechanism of the transformation of the phyllodes tumor.

The coexistence of lobular carcinoma in a fibroadenoma with a malignant phyllodes tumor in the opposite breast: report of a case

It is very unusual for a carcinoma of the breast to coexist with a phyllodes tumor, or for a carcinoma to arise within a fibroadenoma. We present herein an extremely rare case of lobular carcinoma in situ arising in a fibroadenoma, associated with a malignant phyllodes tumor in the opposite breast. A 49-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a large mass in the right breast and a small mass in the left breast. Microscopic examination of biopsy materials revealed a malignant phyllodes tumor in the right breast and a fibroadenoma in the left breast, for which a right standard radical mastectomy and left lumpectomy were performed. Microscopic findings of the material excised from the left breast showed the presence of multiple lobular carcinoma in situ within the tumor mass of the fibroadenoma. However, histological examination did not detect any metastasis to the bilateral axillary lymph nodes. To our knowledge this is the only such case ever to be reported in Japan.

A very unusual breast lump

A 77 year old woman presenting with a malignant phyllodes tumour of of the right breast with exclusively stromal metastases to axillary lymph nodes refractory to both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Which therapy for unexpected phyllode tumour of the breast?

216 consecutive female patients with histologically confirmed phyllode tumour, the largest series yet reported, were operated on from 1970 to 1989 at our institute and followed-up for a mean period of 118 months. The type of surgery in relation to tumour histotype and natural history were investigated in order to identify the best treatment for this rare breast neoplasm when found unexpectedly at the final histological examination. For the 140 benign tumours, 55 enucleations, 52 enucleoresections, 29 wide resections and 4 mastectomies were performed; the 30 malignant lesions were treated with 3 enucleations, 7 enucleoresections, 9 wide resections and 11 mastectomies; the 46 borderline cases received 11 enucleations, 12 enucleoresections, 18 wide resections and 5 mastectomies. 28 underwent radical surgery following histological diagnosis. There were 27 relapses: 11 (7.9%) in benign, 7 (23.3%) in malignant and 9 (19.6%) in borderline cases. The average disease-free intervals were 32 months for benign, 22 months for malignant and 18 months for borderline phyllode tumours. It is concluded that a wide resection in healthy tissue is indispensable for malignant and borderline phyllode tumours, while where benign phyllode tumour is encountered unexpectedly, even if a limited resection was performed, a wait-and-see policy is justified.

Prognostic factors in cystosarcoma phyllodes. A clinicopathologic study of 77 patients

The authors studied prognostic factors in 77 patients with primary cystosarcoma phyllodes (CSP) of the breast. Median patient age was 50 years of age, and the median follow-up time was 8 years. Sixteen patients (21%) had distant metastases and subsequently died of CSP. Clinical variables such as age, symptom duration, clinical tumor size, and type of surgery were not of prognostic value. Local recurrence was more common among patients treated with breast-conserving surgery than among those treated with mastectomy. However, there was no significant difference between these two subgroups in terms of distant metastasis-free survival or overall survival. The prognostic significance of several histopathologic parameters was also assessed, e.g., stromal cellularity, stromal cellular atypism, mitotic activity, atypic mitoses, stromal overgrowth, tumor contour, tumor necrosis, and heterologous stromal elements. In a multivariate Cox analysis, the only features that were found to be independent prognostic factors were tumor necrosis (P less than 0.05) and presence of stromal elements other than fibromyxoid tissue (P less than 0.01). In summary, additional studies of prognostic factors in CSP are warranted because of the conflicting results in published reports.

Surgical treatment of phyllodes tumors of the breast

Eighty-one female patients with phyllodes tumors of the breast, surgically treated from 1974 to 1983, were studied. Their age ranged from 9 to 88 years. According to histology, the series was divided into three groups, of 28 (34.5%) benign tumors, 32 (39.5%) border-line tumors, and 21 (25.9%) malignant tumors. Because ten patients were lost to follow-up, only 71 women could be evaluated. All the patients had received surgical treatment: 51 women had been treated conservatively (11 enucleations, 40 wide resections), and 20 had undergone radical operations (13 underwent total and five underwent subcutaneous mastectomies, whereas one underwent modified and one underwent radical mastectomy). The mean follow-up, for the three groups, was 106 months for benign, 84 months for borderline, and 82 months for malignant tumors; in no case was radical surgery followed by local recurrence: of 51 women conservatively treated, 14 experienced local relapse, i.e., one of 24 women with benign, ten of 22 with borderline, and three of 8 with malignant lesions. Only two of 47 patients (4.2%) with borderline or malignant tumors developed distant metastasis and died from disease. No relationship between tumor size and risk of local recurrence could be demonstrated, and no difference could be identified between borderline and malignant lesions, in terms both of local and distant relapse. Local recurrences do not appear to affect survival: as a consequence, wide resection should be the primary treatment. Enucleation is to be proscribed. Total mastectomy has been indicated for very large tumors and for local recurrences of borderline and malignant lesions. Axillary dissection is not worthwhile.

Malignant cystosarcoma phyllodes of the breast metastatic to the oral cavity: report of a case and review of the literature

A case report involving an oral lesion that was found to be histologically identical to the stromal component of malignant metastatic cystosarcoma phyllodes of the breast is described. This represents the first reported histologically confirmed oral manifestation of an extremely rare breast tumor. The literature regarding oral manifestations of metastatic disease in general and of cystosarcoma phyllodes in particular is reviewed.

Cystosarcoma phylloides in the adolescent female

Between 1979 and 1985, five adolescent females have undergone excision of cystosarcoma phylloides. Mean age at presentation was 15 years with a range of 13 to 18 years. Clinical characteristics unique to this diagnosis included a recent history of rapid growth and the large size of the breast mass (mean diameter 7 cm) at initial presentation. Each patient underwent "cosmetic" excisional biopsy utilizing either a circumareolar or inframammary approach. In four patients, the neoplasm was benign with no postoperative recurrence (mean follow-up 33.8 months). The remaining lesion was malignant (liposarcoma) and subsequent simple mastectomy was performed. There was no evidence of disease at 35 months.

[The value of aspiration cytology in giant breast tumors (author's transl)]

Examinations by fine-needle biopsy are compared with histological data. In preoperative diagnosis aspiration cytology is a useful method which provides useful information on the nature of giant breast tumors. Giant tumors should be aspirated in several places.

Cystosarcoma phylloides in the adolescent female

Two cases of cystosarcoma phylloides in the adolescent female are presented and the literature reviewed. This lesion is usually benign. Even when malignant, simple excision has been curative in 2 or 3 cases. Therapy recommended is local excision with a small margin of normal tissue.