Cystosarcoma phyllodes: Pathological enigma: A retrospective review of 162 cases

Phyllodes tumor (PT) is a rare fibroepithelial neoplasm comprising <1% of all breast tumors. Clinical spectrum ranges from benign (B), borderline (BL), and locally recurrent to malignant (M) and metastatic type. The aim of our study was to analyze the clinicopathological factors, compare treatment options, and evaluate outcome in patients with PT.

We retrospectively reviewed 162 women with PT. The surgical intervention varied from simple excision (lumpectomy)/wide local excision (WLE) in benign cases to simple/modified radical or radical mastectomy (SM/MRM/RM) in malignant and recurrent tumors.

Out of 162 patients, B, BL, and M were 95 (58.64%), 29 (18%), and 38 (23.45%), respectively. Mean age, duration of lump, and size were 38 ± 8 years, 28 ± 10 months, and 12 ± 5 cm, respectively. Recurrence rate with B, BL, and M was 15.78%, 41.37%, and 55.26%, respectively (P = 0.00001). As compared to WLE (22%), SM (23.8%), and MRM/RM (14.2%), recurrence was higher with lumpectomy (48.9%) (P = 0.004). Positive correlation was found between recurrence rate with the size of tumor (P = 0.008) and also number of recurrence with holoprosencephaly (P = 0.047). There was no association between the number of recurrences and size of tumor (P = 0.63). Malignant PT was seen in 38 (24%) and distant metastasis was seen in 7 (18%). Mean duration of follow-up was 42 months.

WLE with negative margins should be the initial surgery for PT. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy is uncertain. PT is pathological enigma. Till date, no factors can accurately predict the recurrence and outcome. PT is known for unpredictable behavior and high recurrence rates, hence long-term follow-up is advised.