Malignant phyllodes breast tumor

Abstract

Malignant phyllodes tumor is a rare tumor of the breast occurring in females usually between the ages of 35 and 55 years. It is often difficult to distinguish benign from malignant phyllodes tumors from other benign entities such as fibroadenomas. This case presentation demonstrates a woman with malignant phyllodes tumor treated with mastectomy with abdominal skin flap reconstruction.

Keywords: Breast; Malignant phyllodes; Radiology.

Fig. 1

(A and B) The left breast appears extremely swollen and markedly enlarged with taut, thin skin because of the extreme large size of the mass(es).

Fig. 2

(A and B) Mammography demonstrated numerous isodense multilobulated masses, together spanning approximately 14 cm, encompassing almost the entire breast.

Fig. 3

(A-C) Ultrasound demonstrated numerous hypoechoic masses, difficult to accurately measure given their extent. Some masses demonstrated peripheral vascularity but did not appear particularly hyperemic given their large size. No definite abnormal axillary lymph nodes were identified. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy was recommended with the differential diagnosis provided at that time of infiltrating ductal carcinoma vs inflammatory breast carcinoma vs infectious or inflammatory etiology given the rapid growth.