Phyllodes tumor

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Phyllodes tumor
Synonyms	Cystosarcoma phyllodes, phylloides tumor
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Breast lump, breast pain, breast asymmetry
Complications	Metastasis, local recurrence
Onset	Typically in middle-aged women
Duration	Variable
Types	Benign, borderline, malignant
Causes	Unknown
Risks	Female, age, genetic factors
Diagnosis	Biopsy, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Fibroadenoma, breast cancer
Prevention	None known
Treatment	Surgical excision, mastectomy
Medication	None specific
Prognosis	Generally good for benign, variable for malignant
Frequency	Rare, <1% of all breast tumors
Deaths	N/A

Phyllodes tumor

Phyllodes tumor of the breast - Mammography

Phyllodes tumor presentation

Phyllodes Tumor, Gross

Phyllodes tumor is a rare type of breast tumor that is typically benign (noncancerous), but can sometimes be malignant (cancerous). The name "phyllodes," which is taken from the Greek language and means "leaflike," refers to that fact that the tumor cells grow in a pattern resembling leaves when viewed under a microscope.

Symptoms

Phyllodes tumors can grow quickly, but they do not always spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms may include a noticeable lump in the breast that can be felt, a change in the size or shape of the breast, and pain in the breast.

Causes

The exact cause of phyllodes tumors is unknown. They are most common in women in their 40s, but women of any age can be affected.

Diagnosis

Phyllodes tumors are usually diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and a biopsy. The biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue from the tumor for examination under a microscope, is the only way to definitively diagnose a phyllodes tumor.

Treatment

Treatment for phyllodes tumors typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, the entire breast may be removed. Radiation therapy may also be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Prognosis

The prognosis for women with phyllodes tumors is generally good, especially if the tumor is benign. However, if the tumor is malignant, there is a risk that it could spread to other parts of the body.

See also

• Breast cancer
• Breast lump
• Breast biopsy
• Mastectomy
• Radiation therapy