Malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast: a study in clinical practice

The application of clinical variable-based nomogram in predicting overall survival in malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast

Background: We aimed to explore prognostic risk factors in patients with malignant phyllodes tumors (PTs) of the breast and construct a survival prediction model. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to collect information on patients with malignant breast PTs from 2004 to 2015. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation groups using R software. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen out independent risk factors. Then, a nomogram model was developed in the training group and validated in the validation group, and the prediction performance and concordance were evaluated. Results: The study included 508 patients with malignant PTs of the breast, including 356 in the training group and 152 in the validation group. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses showed that age, tumor size, tumor stage, regional lymph node metastasis (N), distant metastasis (M) and tumor grade were independent risk factors for the 5-year survival rate of patients with breast PTs in the training group (p < 0.05). These factors were used to construct the nomogram prediction model. The results showed that the C-indices of the training and validation groups were 0.845 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.802-0.888) and 0.784 (95% CI 0.688-0.880), respectively. The calibration curves of the two groups were close to the ideal 45° reference line and showed good performance and concordance. Receiver operating characteristic and decision curve analysis curves showed that the nomogram has better predictive accuracy than other clinical factors. Conclusion: The nomogram prediction model constructed in this study has good predictive value. It can effectively assess the survival rates of patients with malignant breast PTs, which will aid in the personalized management and treatment of clinical patients.

Breast Sarcoma Incidence Rate: A National Study in Iran

Background: Breast sarcomas are a group of rare and non-epithelial malignancies that account for less than 1% of breast cancers. There are few epidemiologic studies on this type of cancer due to its rarity. Methods: In this study, the database of the Iran National Cancer Registry (INCR) from March 2009 to March 2014 was used to calculate the age-specific incidence rate for breast sarcoma in Iran. Moreover, age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) for pathologic subtypes, pathologic grades, and different regions of the country were determined. Results: Totally, 258 breast sarcoma patients were included in this study in Iran. The ASR of breast sarcoma was 1.17 (95% CI: 1.02, .32) and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.67) per million person-years for women and the total population, respectively. ASR was 0.03 (95%CI: 0.01, 0.06) per million person-years for male patients. The highest age-specific incidence rate for malignant phyllodes was observed among patients aged 55 to 59 years (1.0; 95% CI: 0.5, 1.5), and for other sarcomas, it was found among those aged 70 to 74 years (0.9; 95% CI: 0.2, 1.6). The most prevalent pathologic grade of sarcoma was grade 3 with an ASR of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.46) per million person-years. Conclusions: Compared to western countries, Iran has a lower incidence of breast sarcoma in women, a higher incidence rate in men, and older onset age. As in other countries, malignant phyllodes tumors and angiosarcomas are the most common subtypes. In addition, breast sarcoma incidence rates in different grades are similar across countries.

MRI Virtual Biopsy of T2 Hyperintense Breast Lesions

A wide variety of benign and malignant breast processes may generate hyperintense signal at T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI has been traditionally used in the pre-treatment planning of breast cancer, in assessing treatment response and detecting recurrence. In this comprehensive review, we describe and illustrate the MRI features of a few common and uncommon T2 hyperintense breast lesions, with an emphasis on MRI features that help to characterize lesions based on morphological features, specific appearances on T1-and T2-weighted imaging, and enhancement characteristics on the dynamic post-contrast phase that are either diagnostic or aid in narrowing the differential diagnosis.

Malignant Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast With Metastasis to the Orbit: A Rare Case Report

Phyllodes tumors are rare and account for 0.5% of all mammary neoplasms. They commonly present as lobulated breast tumors and have a variable clinical course. Histologically, phyllodes tumor is composed of 2 major elements: stromal element composed of spindle cells admixed with collagen and epithelial element in the form of epithelium lined cysts and clefts. Metastasis is rarely seen with phyllodes tumors. Sarcomatous component of phyllodes tumor metastasizes to lung, liver, adrenal, brain, and bones by hematogenous route. A thorough literature search did not reveal any report of orbital metastasis from malignant phyllodes tumor. Here, the authors describe a rare case of malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast with metastasis to the orbit in a 46-year-old female patient.

En Bloc Excision of Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast: Radical Approach Heralds Better Outcome

INTRODUCTION

Surgery is the primary treatment of phyllodes tumor of the breast, and margins are the most important risk factor associated with local recurrence. We conducted a retrospective audit of 433 patients treated at our center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Women who presented with phyllodes tumors between 1999 and 2017 were included in the analysis. Data was collected from the hospital medical records, telephonic interviews, and electronic mail.

RESULTS

Of the 433 women included in this study, 177 (40.9%) had benign phyllodes tumors, 84 (19.4%) were borderline, 131 (30.3%) were malignant, and 41 (9.5%) had sarcoma. A history of previous excision was noted in 154 (35.6%) patients, of which 104 presented with local recurrence. Of the total patients, 209 (48.3%) underwent breast conservation surgery; the median pT was 6 cm. At a median follow-up of 37.9 months, the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 82.9%. On multivariate analysis, the factors that impacted DFS were histology (hazard ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-10.9; P = .005) and history of previous excision biopsy (hazard ratio, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.76-6.52; P < .001). We analyzed 231 women who presented without any prior excision separately, wherein at a median follow-up of 44.1 months, the DFS was 92.1% (95% CI, 92.05%-92.15%). In addition, less recurrences were noted in this cohort (5.6% [13/231] in no-excision biopsy vs. 12.5% with surgery done prior to presentation to our institute).

CONCLUSION

A previous history of excision and the histologic subtype of phyllodes tumor are factors that have an impact on DFS, thus emphasizing the need for appropriate surgical planning and en bloc excision of the phyllodes at presentation.

Risk Factors for Disease Recurrence in Women With Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast in Southern Colombia: A Nine-Year Cohort Study

Introduction

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are uncommon fibroepithelial breast tumors that occur in middle-aged women, and they tend to vary in biologic behavior. Surgical management is the standard therapy for the condition, but factors associated with recurrence remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and surgical characteristics related to PT recurrences.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients in southern Colombia who were diagnosed with PT and managed at a level I teaching and referral hospital over a nine-year period. Factors associated with recurrence were determined by Cox regression analysis.

Results

This study included 61 patients; their median age was 46 years [interquartile range (IQR): 39-55 years]. Pathologically, 37 tumors (60.7%) were classified as low-grade. The median tumor size was 7 cm (IQR: 4-11.5 cm). Thirty-nine (63.9%) patients underwent quadrantectomy. Nine patients (14.8%) experienced tumor recurrence, with the median time to recurrence being one year (IQR: 0.5-2 years). Distant metastasis was observed in four patients (6.6%) at a median of nine months (IQR: 0.4-2.5 years). Univariate analyses showed that patients with high-grade tumors [hazard ratio (HR): 2.90, p = 0.148] and those who underwent mastectomy (HR: 2.90, p = 0.460) were at higher risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

PT recurrence may be associated with biological features, the extent of local excision, tumor size, and negative margins. However, multicenter data are needed to confirm these findings.

Malignant phyllodes tumor in Lynch syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND

Lynch syndrome, or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, is an autosomal dominant genetic syndrome that predisposes individuals to multiple cancer types. The known cancers associated with Lynch syndrome include colorectal and endometrial cancers as well as cancers of the stomach, ovary, urinary tract, hepatobiliary tract, pancreas, small bowel, and brain. There are no searchable cases of malignant phyllodes of the breast associated with Lynch syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION

Our patient was a 43-year-old Caucasian woman who felt a lump in her left breast and was found to have a spindle cell neoplasm. Definitive surgery revealed a malignant phyllodes tumor. On the basis of her cancer diagnosis and family history of multiple cancers, a Myriad myRisk Hereditary Cancer® test panel of 25 genes was performed. This testing revealed that she had a heterozygous MSH6 mutation as part of the Lynch syndrome panel. Due to positive margins, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide. She also had a subsequent total abdominal hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for risk reduction. She remains in a high-risk surveillance program. Her family members have been tested, which revealed that her two brothers and daughter also carry the genetic mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the importance of genetic testing with rare malignancies because the full scope of phenotypic sequelae for known hereditary syndromes has not been mapped.

Huge borderline phyllodes breast tumor with repeated recurrences and progression toward more malignant phenotype: a case report and literature review

Background

Phyllodes tumor (PT) is a rare breast fibroepithelial biphasic tumor composed of stromal and epithelial components. The patients suffering from this disease present with a large, round, mobile, fast-growing lump, and the giant PT of more than 10 cm in diameter is so uncommon. Surgery is regarded as the primary treatment, but curative efficiency of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy is so indefinite.

Case presentation

We reported one case of a middle-aged woman with a huge borderline PT in the right breast, over 20 cm in size. The pathology of needle core biopsy of the lump was suggestive of PT of the borderline subgroup, and then she underwent mastectomy of the right breast. The patient had recovered well without any postoperative treatment until a local recurrence occurred 1 year after operation. The tumor was removed with lumpectomy, which was pathologically diagnosed as malignant PT. We followed up her by telephone and heard about her postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as her well recovery.

Conclusion

The pathology of PT with low incidence is mostly benign, but local recurrence is common, and the histopathology progresses toward worsen trend. Besides, due to the difficulty in precise diagnosis of the borderline PTs, it is recommended that this subtype of patients should undergo total mastectomy. Although the curative effect of postoperative treatment has not been recognized internationally, patients, especially those with huge tumors, may benefit from these treatments.

Postoperative follow-up practice of phyllodes tumour in the UK: Results from a national survey

BACKGROUND

Resected phyllodes tumours (PT) of the breast carry a small but significant risk of recurrence. Nevertheless, there are no national guidelines on the postoperative follow-up of these tumours potentially resulting in a wide variation in practice among breast surgeons in the UK.

METHODS

A web-based questionnaire was sent to breast surgeons across the UK to assess individual follow-up practices including availability of local guidelines, methods of follow-up and influence of risk factors.

RESULTS

Only 38% of 121 responses indicated the availability of local guidelines on PT follow-up. Modal follow-up duration for borderline and malignant disease was 5 years (53.7% and 79.3% of responses respectively), compared to 1 year for benign disease (43%) although 28% of respondents continue to review benign cases for 5 years. Immediate post-operative discharge and self-directed aftercare for benign and borderline cases remains uncommon practice in the UK. Within hospitals represented by more than one respondent in this survey, only around 30% demonstrated consistent practices pertaining to length and frequency of postoperative PT follow-up. Recurrent disease and margin status influenced the follow-up practice of 60% of respondents in our survey. More than 75% indicated that they combine clinical examination with radiological investigations (mammography and/or ultrasound) to follow up PT postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

This survey highlights the wide variation in follow-up practice for resected PT. This may affect the detection of disease relapse or, conversely, result in wasted clinical resources and unnecessary patient distress. Evidence-based national guidelines are necessary to resolve this issue and inform best follow-up practice.

Metastatic Malignant Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast: An Aggressive Disease-Analysis of 7 Cases

Malignant phyllodes tumor (PT) of the breast behaves aggressively and the presentation of distant metastases is varied, ranging from synchronous or short interval commonly to a decade rarely. To assess the clinical and temporal pattern of distant metastases in malignant PTs. A retrospective analysis of patients with Phyllodes tumor of the breast from January, 2001 to November, 2014. There were a total of 167 patients with PT; 49 (29 %) were malignant PT out of which 7 developed distant metastases. Detailed analysis of these 7 patients showed that mean age was 36.71 years (range 28-53 years). Three of the seven patients had additional local recurrences post lumpectomy. The procedure performed were wide local excision with muscle reconstruction (n = 1), lumpectomy (n = 1) and mastectomy (n = 5). The distant metastases were synchronous (n = 2) and other 5 had metastases developing within 2 months to 13 years. The sites for distant metastases included lung, brain, adrenal, para-aortic nodes and bone. Six patients received palliative chemotherapy (CT) and 2 also had radiation therapy for brain metastasis. Only 1 patient is alive and receiving CT and all others succumbed to the disease. Patients with malignant PT of the breast with distant metastases behave aggressively and have a dismal outcome with rare exceptions. They need multimodality therapy and close follow up. Newer targeted therapies may have a role to improve the outcome.

Breast-conserving surgery is contraindicated for recurrent giant multifocal phyllodes tumours of breast

Background

The controversy between breast conserving surgery and simple mastectomy for phyllodes tumours of the breast remains because of the unpredictable nature of the disease. Although some benign tumours may show an unusually aggressive behaviour, modified radical surgery for phyllodes tumours offers no survival advantage, and recently more conservative surgical approaches have been deployed.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old woman with a giant multifocal tumour of the breast underwent breast-conserving surgery that made use of the well- circumscribed feature of the tumour. The case demonstrates the safety, and cosmetic benefit of the breast-conserving approach for multifocal phyllodes tumours except for the high recurrence rate.

Conclusions

Large size, multifocality, and borderline or malignant histology are contraindications for breast-conserving surgery.

Biliary dyskinesia

Functional disorders of the biliary tract include gallbladder dyskinesia (GBD) and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). The diagnosis of GBD is made if the gallbladder ejection fraction is less than 35% to 40% using cholecystokinin cholescintigraphy. Despite slightly inferior outcomes compared with calculous disease, patients who have GBD should be treated with cholecystectomy. SOD is most often noted in the postcholecystectomy patient and symptoms can be biliary or pancreatic in nature. The gold standard for diagnosis remains manometry, with basal biliary or pancreatic sphincter pressures measuring greater than 40 mm Hg. Patients who have increased pressures may benefit from endoscopic sphincterotomy.