Review

Phylloides tumor of the breast: a rare neoplasm, though not that innocent

Michael Stamatakos¹ , Sofia Tsaknaki¹ , Konstantinos Kontzoglou¹ , John Gogas¹ , Alkiviades Kostakis¹ and Michael Safioleas²

¹  Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Medical School, University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece

²  Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Athens, ATTIKON General Hospital, Athens, Greece

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International Seminars in Surgical Oncology 2009, 6:6doi:10.1186/1477-7800-6-6

Published:	20 February 2009

Abstract

Background

Cystosarcoma phylloides (CP) is an extremely rare form of breast cancer with an unpredictable clinical course. The histological characteristics of this neoplasm have not proved to offer much in the estimation of prognosis of these patients.

Patients and methods

In our clinics, in a time period of 38 years, 22 patients with cystosarcoma phylloides were treated. There were 5 cases of malignancy, 15 cases with benign tumors, and two cases histologically characterized as borderline neoplasia. Metastases were manifested in one patient. All patients were on a 5-year follow-up, except in five cases, one operated three years ago and four operated within the last two years.

Results

16 of 22 patients did not present any signs of local recurrence or metastases. There were three patients that manifested local recurrence and underwent supplementary ongectomy or mastectomy and are free of recurrence ever since. One patient with metastatic CP died.

Conclusion

Independently of its histopathological behavior, CP is a tumor difficult to be treated. Meticulous follow-up is mandatory in order to manage possible recurrence of the neoplasm.