[Cystosarcoma phyllodes of the breast: clinical cases]

The authors report their experience in the management of 8 cases of cystosarcoma phylloides of the breast observed between January 1979 and December 1986 in the Surgical Department of the University of Bari. This uncommon breast pathology, which stands halfway between benign (adenofibromas) and malignant (carcinomas) tumors presents considerable difficulties in terms of diagnosis particularly problematic for the small-sized lesions. The authors stress the need of a surgical treatment which takes into account women aesthetic desire assuring at the same time a complete exeresis. The latter includes the sacrifice of at least 1 cm thick normal breast tissue to prevent the frequent local relapses.