How can you tell if a tumor is phyllodes?

Phyllodes tumors grow very quickly. Breastcancer.org says that the first symptom is often a lump under your skin. The lump will feel smooth to the touch. The skin over your breast might also turn red or discolored and feel warm.

What does a phyllodes tumor look like on ultrasound?

On ultrasound, an inhomogeneous, solid-appearing mass is the most common manifestation. A solid mass containing single or multiple, round or cleft like cystic spaces and demonstrating posterior acoustic enhancement strongly suggests the diagnosis of phyllodes tumor.

Are phyllodes tumors movable?

Phyllodes tumor is the most commonly occurring nonepithelial neoplasm of the breast, though it represents only about 1% of tumors in the breast. It has a smooth, sharply demarcated texture and typically is freely movable.

How fast do phyllodes tumors grow?

Phyllodes tumors tend to grow quickly, within a period of weeks or months, to a size of 2-3 cm or sometimes larger. This rapid growth does not automatically mean the phyllodes tumor is malignant; benign tumors can grow quickly, too. The lump is usually not painful.

What is a phyllodes tumor of breast?

Phyllodes tumors (FILL-odes or full-OH-deez) can also be spelled phylloides tumors (full-OY-deez). These are rare breast tumors that start in the connective (stromal) tissue of the breast. Phyllodes tumors are most common in women in their 40s, but women of any age can have them.

Should phyllodes tumor be removed?

Most phyllodes tumors are benign. They may look very much like common benign breast tumors called fibroadenomas. Often, the pathologist needs to look at the whole tumor under the microscope to make a diagnosis. This is why surgery to remove a phyllodes tumor is recommended, even if it is thought to be benign.

Can phyllodes spread?

Phyllodes tumors tend to grow quickly, but they rarely spread outside the breast. Although most phyllodes tumors are benign (not cancerous), some are malignant (cancerous) and some are borderline (in between noncancerous and cancerous).

Where do phyllodes tumors start in the breast?

Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast. Phyllodes tumors (FILL-odes or full-OH-deez) can also be spelled phylloides tumors (full-OY-deez). These are rare breast tumors that start in the connective (stromal) tissue of the breast.

Can a phyllodes tumor be benign or malignant?

Most phyllodes tumors are benign (not cancer), but about 1 out of 4 of these tumors are malignant (cancer). The tumors are usually felt as a painless breast lump, but some may hurt.

How many women have been diagnosed with phyllodes tumors?

A total of 17,043 breast surgeries were performed during the study period, during which 56 women with 59 (0.3%) phyllodes tumors were identified and met the study inclusion criteria. Of the 59 phyllodes tumors evaluated, 28 (47%) were classified as benign, 19 (32%) as malignant, and 12 as borderline (20%) at pathologic analysis.

How big should a phyllodes tumor be after surgery?

Because the tumors can reoccur if they are not removed with enough surrounding tissue, the tumor and at least 1 cm of tissue should be removed. Cancerous phyllodes tumors are often treated with mastectomy. Close follow-up with frequent breast examinations are recommended after surgery. [1] [2]