Phyllodes tumor

Overview
Phyllodes tumors (from Greek: phullon leaf), also cystosarcoma phyllodes, cystosarcoma phylloides and phylloides tumor, are typically large, fast growing masses that form from the periductal stroma of the breast. They account for less than 1% of all breast neoplasms.

Phyllodes tumors are a fibroepithelial tumor composed of an epithelial and a cellular stromal component. They may be considered benign, borderline, or malignant depending on histologic features including stromal cellularity, infiltration at the tumor's edge, and mitotic activity.

This is predominantly a tumor of adult women, with very few examples reported in adolescents. Occurrence is most common between the ages of 40 and 50, prior to the menopause. This is about 15 years older than the typical age of patients with fibroadenoma, a condition with which Phyllodes tumors may be confused.

The common treatment for phyllodes is wide local excision. Most patients are cured with surgery; the risk of developing local recurrence or metastases is related to the histologic grade, according to the above-named features.

Spectrum
Phyllodes tumors are considered to be on a spectrum of disease that consists of fibroadenoma, fibroadenoma variant and benign phyllodes. Some would extend the spectrum to include malignant phyllodes tumors and frank sarcoma.