SHARES
Phyllodes are rare breast tumours that start in the connective (stromal) tissue of the breast. The name “phyllodes” comes from the Greek word for “leaflike.” The name expressly describes the pattern the cells of these tumours grow in, which looks like a leaf when viewed under the microscopy. As a matter of fact, phyllodes tumours account for less than 1% of all breast tumours. They are also far more common in Asia compared to the West.
About Phyllodes Tumours
Phyllodes tumours exhibit a range of biological behaviour, and generally the grouping are in the following categories:
- Benign – these are not cancerous and account for 85% of cases
- Borderline – these have features that fall between benign and malignant (10%)
- Malignant – these are cancerous tumours with the risk of spreading to other parts of the body, in particular the lungs (5%)
Causes
We do not know the exact cause of phyllodes tumours. They can affect people of any age, but they are most common among pre-menopausal women between 40 and 50 years of age.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is usually a firm, painless lump in the breast. It tends to grow quickly, over a few weeks or months.
Diagnosis
Phyllodes tumours are diagnosed using a range of tests, such as:
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- Tissue biopsy
Treatments for Phyllodes Tumour
Surgery is the main treatment for phyllodes tumours. The complete removal of these tumours is necessary to prevent recurrences.
- Lumpectomy – The surgeon removes the tumour, along with a margin of health tissue around it. Removing this extra tissue helps prevent the tumour from coming back. There is early evidence to show that removal by minimally invasive techniques performed by experienced surgeons can achieve the same results for smaller tumours.
- Mastectomy – The whole breast may have to be removed when the tumour is very big. This can be combined with breast reconstruction either at the same time, or as a delayed procedure.
If the tumour is cancerous, your doctor may recommend these treatments:
- Radiation uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. Your doctor can use it after surgery to treat a cancerous phyllodes tumour that hasn’t spread outside of your breast.
- Chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells throughout your body. This treatment is an option if a cancerous tumour has spread to other parts of your body.
Because these tumours can come back, close follow-up with frequent breast exams and imaging tests are usually recommended after treatment.
Dr Ong Kong Wee, Breast Surgeon and General Surgeon from K W Ong Breast & General Surgery Clinic, contributed this article. Read the original article here.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
