
What is a highly malignant brain tumor?
Glioblastoma is a type of brain cancer. It's the most common type of malignant brain tumor among adults. And it is usually very aggressive, which means it can grow fast and spread quickly.
What is an atypical Spitz tumor?
The atypical Spitz tumor or Spitzoid tumor of uncertain malignant potential is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This terminology is used to refer to a melanocytic neoplasm that manifests one or more atypical histologic features but does not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for melanoma.
What type of tumors is called cancer?
Types of tumours
- Cancerous tumours. Cancer can start in any part of the body. When cancer cells form a lump or growth, it is called a cancerous tumour.
- Non-cancerous tumours. Tumours that aren’t cancerous are called non-cancerous tumours.
- Precancerous conditions. Precancerous cells are abnormal cells that may develop into cancer if they aren’t treated. ...
What is a malignant tumor called?
A malignant tumor (cancerous tumor) is one that is invasive and can spread to other parts of the body. 1 In contrast, tumors that stay localized and don't spread are called benign. Benign tumors may grow quite large and can do damage, but they do not usually spread through the bloodstream or lymph vessels to other parts of the body. 2

What causes a phyllodes tumor?
Phyllodes Tumor Causes and Risk Factors Experts don't know what causes phyllodes tumors. Women who have a rare genetic disease called Li-Fraumeni syndrome are more likely to have them. They rarely affect men. Women of any age can get phyllodes tumors, but they're most common in your 40s.
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.
How common are phyllodes tumors?
Phyllodes tumors are rare and make up fewer than 1% of all breast tumors. Phyllodes tumors start in the stroma, the connective tissue of the breast. The name comes from the Greek word for leaf because the cells grow in a pattern that looks like a leaf.
Can phyllodes tumor turn cancerous?
Malignant transformation of phyllodes tumor is a very rare form of breast cancer. Only some reports show malignant transformation from a benign phyllodes tumor 13, 17, 18, 19, 20. We report one case of a benign phyllodes tumor that transformed into a malignant phyllodes tumor during its recurrence.
What are the signs of phyllodes tumor?
Phyllodes tumors are usually felt as a firm, painless breast lump, but some may hurt. They tend to grow large fairly quickly, and they often stretch the skin. Sometimes these tumors are seen first on an imaging test (like an ultrasound or mammogram), in which case they're often hard to tell apart from fibroadenomas.
Can phyllodes tumor cause death?
Symptoms of metastatic involvement can arise from as early as a few months to as late as 12 years after initial therapy. Most patients with metastases die within 3 years of initial treatment. No cures for systemic metastases exist. Roughly 30% of patients with malignant phyllodes tumors die of the disease.
Where do phyllodes tumors spread?
Though lungs and bone are common sites of metastasis in malignant phyllodes tumors [11], our patient had metastasis to adrenal and brain which is rare. The duration of metastasis after surgery is 7 months to 6 years in literature [9], however our case developed it early in 3 months.
How are phyllodes tumors treated?
Tumor Excision and Mastectomy Complete excision, with accurate histologic examination and continued follow-up care, is the best way to treat phyllodes tumors. A general surgery specialist should be consulted. In most cases, wide local excision is indicated, with a rim of normal tissue included.
Do phyllodes tumors keep growing?
Phyllodes tumors can grow quickly, but they do not always spread beyond the breast. Although many of these tumors are benign, a doctor may recommend surgery to reduce the risk of further growth.
Do phyllodes tumors make you tired?
Phyllodes tumor has more consequences than you think. The survival of Phyllodes tumor is great and then live with fatigue.
What is the difference between fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumor?
Fibroadenomas grow up to 2-3 cm and then stop growing but phyllodes tumors grow continually and sometimes are to 40 cm big. Both these lesions have two components, epithelial and stromal. Clinically fibroadenomas are well circumscibed, hard, oval, movable lesions.
Do phyllodes tumors metastasize?
Although most phyllodes tumors are benign, malignant cases do uncommonly occur, 22% of which have distant metastasis typically to the lungs and bones. Rarely, this tumor metastasizes to other locations.
Do phyllodes tumors metastasize?
Although most phyllodes tumors are benign, malignant cases do uncommonly occur, 22% of which have distant metastasis typically to the lungs and bones. Rarely, this tumor metastasizes to other locations.
Where do phyllodes tumors spread?
Though lungs and bone are common sites of metastasis in malignant phyllodes tumors [11], our patient had metastasis to adrenal and brain which is rare. The duration of metastasis after surgery is 7 months to 6 years in literature [9], however our case developed it early in 3 months.
How often do phyllodes tumors recur?
Recurrence of phyllodes tumors The average recurrence rates of phyllodes tumors are approximately 15%, but there is a range from 10% to 40%. The incidence of recurrence is believed to be directly proportional to inadequate initial excision of the tumors.
Do phyllodes tumors make you tired?
Phyllodes tumor has more consequences than you think. The survival of Phyllodes tumor is great and then live with fatigue.
How do phyllodes tumors affect your risk for breast cancer?
Having a benign phyllodes tumor does not affect your breast cancer risk, but you may be watched more closely and get regular imaging tests, because these tumors can come back after surgery.
What is a malignant phyllodes tumor?
Malignant phyllodes tumors are different from the more common types of breast cancer. They are less likely to respond to some of the treatments commonly used for breast cancer, such as hormone therapy or the chemotherapy drugs normally used for breast cancer. Phyllodes tumors that have spread to other parts of the body are often treated more like ...
How to tell if a tumor is fibroadenomas?
The tumors are usually felt as a painless breast lump, but some may hurt. They tend to grow quickly and stretch the skin. Sometimes they are seen first on an imaging test (like an ultrasound or mammogram ), in which case they’re often hard to tell apart from fibroadenomas . The diagnosis can often be made with a core needle biopsy, but sometimes the entire tumor needs to be removed (during an excisional biopsy) to know for sure that it’s a phyllodes tumor, and whether it's malignant or not.
What is a fill odes tumor?
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. Phyllodes tumors are most common in women in their 40s, but women of any age can have them.
Why do you need a mastectomy?
Mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) may be needed if a cancer-free margin of normal breast tissue cannot be taken out with the tumor. If the phyllodes tumor is cancer, a wider area of normal tissue will be removed along with the tumor. Or the entire breast might be removed with mastectomy. Radiation therapy might be given to ...
Can a phyllodes tumor come back?
Phyllodes tumors can sometimes come back in the same place if they’re removed without taking enough of the normal tissue around them. For this reason, a margin of normal breast tissue around the tumor is taken out as well.
Can a woman have a phyllodes tumor?
Phyllodes tumors are most common in women in their 40s, but women of any age can have them. Women with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (a rare, inherited genetic condition) have an increased risk for phyllodes tumors. Most phyllodes tumors are benign (not cancer), but about 1 out of 4 of these tumors are malignant (cancer).
What is a phyllodes tumor?
A phyllodes tumor is a rare tumor of the breast. Phyllodes tumors grow in the connective tissue of the breast, called the stroma. This includes the tissue and ligaments that surround the ducts, blood vessels, and lymph vessels in the breast. The name “phyllodes” comes from the Greek word for “leaflike.”. The name describes the pattern the cells of ...
What is the difference between a fibroadenoma and a phyllodes tumor?
They aren’t cancerous. The main difference between the two conditions is that phyllodes tumors grow faster and start later in life.
How does radiation kill cancer cells?
Radiation uses high energy waves to kill cancer cells. Your doctor can use it after surgery to treat a cancerous phyllodes tumor that hasn’t spread outside of your breast.
How do you remove a tumor?
A biopsy involves removing a piece of the tumor through a hollow needle, or the whole tumor through a cut in your skin.
Can a phyllodes tumor grow under skin?
The tumor may grow quickly enough that you can eventually see it under your skin. Even though most phyllodes tumors aren’t cancerous, they can grow and cause pain. If the tumor breaks through your skin, you might see an open sore on your breast.
Can phyllodes cause pain?
Even though most phyllodes tumors aren ’t cancerous, they can grow and cause pain. If the tumor breaks through your skin, you might see an open sore on your breast.
Is a phyllodes tumor hard to diagnose?
Phyllodes tumors can be hard to diagnose. They look very similar to other breast lumps, such as fibroadenomas.
Why are phyllodes tumors called leaf tumors?
Their unusual name comes from the Greek word for “leaf”, because they have a leaf-like appearance under the microscope. Some inherited genetic disorders are known to increase the risk of developing a phyllodes tumor, but in most cases, the cause is unknown.
What is the treatment for a malignant phyllodes tumor?
Systemic therapy (chemotherapy) may be used if a malignant phyllodes tumor has spread outside of the breast, though this not common. Your oncology team will recommend a treatment plan based on what is known about malignant phyllodes tumors in general and specifically tailored to your disease.
What is a benign breast tumor called?
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.
What is the best treatment for phyllodes cancer?
Only if the cancer is known to have spread to other parts of the body will systemic therapy be recommended. Local therapy is aimed at preventing the tumor from coming back in the breast. Local therapy for a phyllodes tumor will include surgery (wide excision or mastectomy) to remove the tumor and extra tissue around it.
Where do phyllodes start?
Unlike breast cancer which begins in the milk ducts, malignant phyllodes tumors begin in the connective tissue that surrounds and supports the ducts and lobules of the breast. Phyllodes tumors contain different kinds of cells, but the cancerous part is a sarcoma, or cancer of connective tissue. These tumor cells are very different ...
Can a benign phyllodes tumor grow?
Unlike other kinds of benign breast lesions, benign phyllodes tumors can grow very quickly and become very large. Malignant phyllodes tumors are a form of breast cancer; however, they are different from more common kinds of breast cancer. Unlike breast cancer which begins in the milk ducts, malignant phyllodes tumors begin in ...
Can phyllodes be treated?
Treatment of malignant phyllodes tumors is also somewhat different than that of more common kinds of breast cancer. Phyllodes tumors that are only in the breast, whether benign or malignant, are most often treated with local therapy alone. Only if the cancer is known to have spread to other parts of the body will systemic therapy be recommended .
How long does it take for benign phyllodes to recur?
Benign phyllodes tumors are less likely to recur than malignant ones. The doctor will monitor for recurrence, usually within 1–2 years after removal.
What type of biopsy is used to determine if a tumor is phyllodes?
These tests provide confirmation of the type of tumor. A doctor may recommend a core needle biopsy or an excisional biopsy. A core needle biopsy involves the doctor taking a sample through the skin, using a hollow needle. This may not provide enough evidence that the mass is a phyllodes tumor.
What is a phyllodes tumor?
Phyllodes tumors are a rare type of breast tumor. The pattern of their cells resembles leaves, and the name “phyllodes” comes from the Greek word meaning “leaf-like.”. Phyllodes tumors can grow quickly, but they do not always spread beyond the breast. Authors of a 2013 review note that 35–64%. Trusted Source.
How old do phyllodes tumors develop?
Phyllodes tumors can form at any age, but they tend to affect women aged 35–55 years. Trusted Source. . Those that develop in younger women are more likely to be benign. Very rarely, phyllodes tumors develop in males. Trusted Source. , usually in those with a condition called gynecomastia.
What is an excisional biopsy?
An excisional biopsy involves a surgeon removing the whole tumor for testing. Examining the whole tumor can lead to a more accurate diagnosis.
How many phyllodes are benign?
Authors of a 2013 review note that 35–64% of phyllodes tumors are benign, with the rest being borderline or malignant. According to the American Cancer Society, around 25% are malignant.
Why is my breast blue?
It can become visible as it pushes against the skin of the breast, and it may expand the veins under the skin, causing that area of the breast to appear blue. The tumor may cause an ulcer to form on the skin of the breast, but this is rare. An ulcer can form whether the tumor is benign, borderline, or malignant. .
What are the characteristics of a phyllodes tumor?
Phyllodes tumors lack a consistent structure. The histologic characteristics of the stroma and glands typically differ from one region to the next, and so does the relationship between these components (Fig. 18-1 ). In certain areas, the proliferating fibroblasts of the phyllodes tumor remain confined to the specialized stromal compartment ( Fig. 18-2 ); the architecture of such regions resembles the structure of a fibroadenoma. More commonly, the neoplastic fibroblasts grow without regard to either stromal compartment; they overgrow regions of the preexisting fibroadenoma, obliterating its organized structure and they invade the adjacent mammary tissues ( Fig. 18-3 ). This invasion of the mammary parenchyma leads to the haphazard incorporation of minimally altered lobules and adipose tissue within the phyllodes tumor ( Fig. 18-4 ). Besides invading the underlying tissues, the fibroblasts of phyllodes tumors sometimes stimulate the growth of the entrapped glands ( Fig. 18-5 ), and this stimulation causes the incorporated ducts to branch irregularly and to give rise to lobules with irregular and complex configurations ( Fig. 18-6 ). Thus, the usual phyllodes tumor comes to consist of poorly organized and variably arranged stroma and glands, disorderly in appearance and haphazard in arrangement ( Fig. 18-7 ).
What is rare spindle cell carcinoma?
Rare spindle cell carcinomas have an angiomatoid pattern and mimic angiosarcoma. A panel of antibodies is often necessary to distinguish these carcinomas from stromal malignancies.
What is PT imaging?
The typical imaging finding associated with PT is a circumscribed or lobulated mass . The radiographic appearance may overlap with fibroadenoma (FA) and other benign lesions. An indistinct border may correlate with areas of stromal invasion.
What are remnants of fibroadenoma?
The presence of leftover remnants of the fibroadenoma also contributes to the variability in the structure of phyllodes tumors ( Fig. 18-8 ). These fragments display the well-behaved structure of a fibroadenoma, and the organized pattern of these regions contrasts with the unruly appearance of the phyllodes tumor. The persistence of these benign elements can confuse pathologists unfamiliar with the phenomenon. If one mistakenly regards these two regions as components of a single neoplasm, one will not know whether to classify it as a fibroadenoma or a phyllodes tumor. Rather than taking this approach, pathologists should recognize that the mass contains both fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumor and that this coexistence of lesions reflects the birth of the phyllodes tumor from a preexisting fibroadenoma.
Which layer of the stromal cell is most likely to be present?
The region of greatest stromal cellularity is usually adjacent to the epithelium (cambium layer) . Mitoses are most likely to be present in this area . This demonstrates the biologic crosstalk and close relationship between stromal and epithelial cells.
What is the most important lesion to distinguish from PT?
The most important lesion to distinguish from PT is spindle cell carcinoma. Extensive sampling of a spindle cell malignancy may reveal epithelioid areas , identifying this lesion as a carcinoma.
What is the color of the liposarcoma PT?
This 15-cm PT has a tan-white bosselated surface. In the center of the tumor is a discrete homogeneous yellow nodule . This area corresponds to liposarcoma arising within this PT.
What is a phyllodes tumor?
Phyllodes tumor, also known as cystosarcoma phyllodes, is a rare fibroepithelial tumor of the breast which has some resemblance to a fibroadenoma. It is typically a large, fast growing mass that forms from the periductal stroma of the breast. On this page:
What is the most common manifestation of phyllodes tumor?
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.
How common is phyllodes tumor?
The occurrence is most common between the ages of 40 and 60, before the menopause (peak incidence ~45 years). This is about 15 years older than the typical age of patients with fibroadenoma.
What is the signal of MRI grade 11?
Signal characteristics can vary with histological grade 11 but in general, are: T1: usually of low signal 8. T2: can be variable ranging from homogenous low 8 to high 4-5 signal.
How often does a metastasis occur after a wide excision?
After wide local excision, there is relatively frequent local recurrence (up to 25%) and up to 10% can metastasize. The mode of metastases in such cases is by hematogenous route.
Is a phyllodes tumor benign?
A phyllodes tumor may be considered benign, borderline, or malignant depending on histologic features including stromal cellularity, infiltration at the tumor edge, and mitotic activity. At histologic analysis, the tumor can resemble a giant fibroadenoma with both epithelial and stromal components being seen.
Where did the name phyllodes come from?
The name is derived from the Greek word: "phullon" meaning "leaf" . Phyllodes tumors were first described in 1838 by Johannes Muller as "cystosarcoma phyllodes".
What are the classifications of phyllodes tumors?
First, consider getting a second opinion on the tumor's classification. Phyllodes tumors have three classifications: benign, borderline and malignant. Because they are uncommon, the classification of these tumors may vary significantly from one pathologist to another. So, if you have not already done so, it may be useful to have your pathology slides reviewed by an expert pathologist — one who has seen a number of these tumors before — to confirm the tumor's classification. This will impact treatment decisions and recommendations as you move forward.
Why is it important to remove the margin of normal tissue around the tumor?
That's because they can be relatively large , and it's necessary to remove a margin of normal tissue around the tumor to reduce the chance that it will come back. After that much tissue has been removed, itcan be difficult to preserve thebreast's appearance in a way that's cosmetically acceptable to the patient.
Can a malignant phyllodes tumor be removed?
Collected data suggests that breast radiation following surgery for a malignant phyllodes tumor is beneficial when there's concern that a tumor could not be completely removed, or that not enough normal tissue could be taken from around the tumor. Some reports also suggest that radiation can reduce the risk of a tumor coming back whenever the surgery performed is less than a mastectomy. Under these circumstances, the general trend among radiation oncologists is to offer radiation for malignant phyllodes tumors.
Can you remove a phyllodes tumor?
Historically, malignant phyllodes tumors have been treated by removing the entire breast (mastectomy). That's because they can be relatively large , and it's necessary to remove a margin of normal tissue around the tumor to reduce the chance that it will come back. After that much tissue has been removed, itcan be difficult to preserve thebreast's appearance in a way that's cosmetically acceptable to the patient.
Should a pathologist and radiation oncologist be part of the same medical facility?
Ideally, the pathologist, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist should be part of the same medical facility, so they can easily discuss your case and coordinate care, if need be.
