Radiopathological characteristics and outcomes of phyllodes tumor of the breast in Malaysian women

Clinical presentation and radiologic imaging findings of phyllodes tumors: benign and borderline/malignant phyllodes tumors

Background

Phyllodes tumor is a rare fibroepithelial neoplasm of the breast, which is classified histologically as benign, borderline, or malignant. Accurate preoperative diagnosis allows the correct surgical planning and reoperation avoidance.

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation and radiologic features of phyllodes tumors and differentiate between benign and non-benign (borderline and malignant) groups.

Methods

A retrospective study of 57 patients with a diagnosis of phyllodes tumor who had preoperative imaging (mammography, ultrasound, or CT chest) and histological confirmation. The data was collected from 1 June 2011 to 30 September 2021. The imaging features of the phyllodes tumors were described according to the 5th edition of the ACR BI-RADS lexicon. For comparing between two groups, the student t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analyses. The logistic regression analysis was calculated for non-benign phyllodes tumor prediction.

Results

From 57 patients, the pathologic results were benign for 43 cases and non-benign phyllodes tumors for 14 cases. There was no differentiation of mammographic and CT features between benign and non-benign groups. Non-benign phyllodes tumors had the statistical significance of menopausal status, entire breast involvement, tumor size larger than 10 cm, and heterogeneous echo on univariable analysis. After multivariable analysis, menopausal status (odd ratios=13.79, p=0.04) and presence of vessels in the rim (odd ratios=16.51, p=0.019) or absent vascularity (odd ratios=8.45, p=0.047) on doppler ultrasound were significantly increased possibility of non-benign phyllodes tumor.

Conclusions

Menopausal status and presence of vessels in the rim or absent vascularity on Doppler ultrasound were important predictors for the diagnosis of non-benign phyllodes tumor.

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.

Width of margins in phyllodes tumors of the breast: the controversy drags on?-a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Phyllodes tumors (PT) of the breast are rare fibroepithelial neoplasms. Information is controversial in the literature regarding to the optimal surgical management. Most studies suggested margins of at least 10 mm while some recent studies suggested narrower margins without an increased risk of local recurrences (LR) and distant metastases (DM). The objective of this systematic review was to identify and compare studies that assessed these different practices.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed through five databases up to April 2019. Studies exploring the association between the width of margins, subtypes of PT, and the LR and DM rates were considered for inclusion. A statistical model for analyzing sparse data and rare events was used.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies met eligibility criteria and were selected. Considering a threshold of 10 mm (margins < 10 vs margins ≥ 10 mm), the 5-year incidence rate of LR was estimated to be 5.22 vs. 3.63 (diff. -1.59) per 100 person-years for benign PT, 9.60 vs. 7.33 (diff. -2.27) for borderline PT, and 28.58 vs. 21.84 (diff. -6.74) for malignant PT. For DM, it was estimated to be 0.88 vs. 0.86 (diff. -0.02) for benign PT, 1.61 vs. 1.74 (diff. 0.13) for borderline PT, and 4.80 vs 5.18 (diff. 0.38) for malignant PT. The data for a threshold of 1 mm were not sufficient to draw any conclusions.

CONCLUSION

Irrespective of tumor grade, we found that DM was a rarer event than LR. Malignant PT had the highest incidence rate of LR and DM. This meta-analysis found a clear association between width of margins and LR rates. Whatever the tumor grade, surgical margins ≥ 10 mm guaranteed a lower risk of LR than margins < 10 mm. On the other hand, the width of margin did not influence the apparition of DM.

Recurrent borderline phyllodes tumor of the breast submitted to mastectomy and immediate reconstruction: Case report

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Phyllodes tumors of the breast are rare fibroepithelial neoplasms.

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They are histologically classified into benign, borderline and malignant variants.

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Anatomopathological examination is considered the definitive diagnostic method.

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They have a high rate of local recurrence and the possibility of metastases.

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Surgery is the definitive treatment and adjuvant therapy is controversial.

Introduction

Phyllodes tumors are biphasic fibroepithelial tumors that account for fewer than 1% of mammary tumors. They usually appear in middle-aged women, with an average size of 4–7 cm and rapid growth.

Presentation of case

A 25-year-old woman sought care after excision of recurrent nodules in the right breast, with a diagnosis of borderline phyllodes tumor. She had no new lesions on physical examination. Imaging studies revealed an anechoic collection and nodular areas in a previous surgical site, correlated with pathology. Immuno-histochemical examination was positive for vimentin, calponin, Ki-67 and estrogen receptor. Systemic staging did not show metastases. Skin-reducing mastectomy was performed on the right side, followed by reconstruction and left reduction mammaplasty for symmetry. At 8-month follow-up, there was no relapse of the lesions on clinical and ultrasonographic examinations.

Discussion

Phyllodes tumors are rare neoplasms characterized by rapid growth, occurring in women between 35–55 years of age. They are classified as benign, borderline and malignant, according to histological parameters. There are reports of genetic mutations in TP53 associated with malignant phyllodes tumor. On immunohistochemistry, there is a greater tendency to malignancy in tumors with Ki-67 and estrogen receptor expression. Imaging methods may aid in diagnosis, which is only definitive after excision and histopathological analysis of the tumor. These tumors have high local recurrence rates and possibility of metastases, closely related to histology.

Conclusion

Phyllodes tumors are a great challenge to the surgeon. Treatment is surgical, with wide excision; radiotherapy and chemotherapy are controversial.