Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Cystosarcoma Phyllodes, Rapidly Growing Tumours with Diagnostic Challenges

Abstract

Zarafshan Zubair, Noorulain Ali, Elya Tanweer, Ujala Zubair and Baresham Batool

Phyllodes tumor (PT) also known as cystosarcoma phyllodes are rare fibro epithelial lesions characterized by bilayer epithelium and leafy fronds, accounting for less than 1% of breast neoplasms. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sub classified it into benign, borderline and malignant. These tumors need to be differentiated with fibro adenomas due to potential for metastasis and recurrence and similar clinical presentation. These tumors have been challenging for surgeons and pathologists because it is difficult to predict their behavior on core needle biopsies, while advances in immunohistochemical techniques may increase diagnostic accuracy in these lesions. Benign phyllodes do not metastasize but can reoccur locally and more aggressively. While the minority of patients with metastatic disease can develop symptoms within few months to years after initial treatment. Metastatic disease typically occurs in lung, mediastinum and bones. Most common treatment for these tumors is wide local excision, with mastectomy indicated for patients with larger lesions.