Facts about Phyllodes tumors

Phyllodes tumors of the breast:

  • Not easily distinguished from fibroadenomas on physical exam and even challenging on radiological studies
  • Rarely involve the nipple-areolar complex
  • Most are in the upper outer quadrant
  • Central phyllodes tumors may present with bloody nipple discharge or nipple retraction
  • Few have been reported in men
  • Primary goal for treatment of phyllodes tumor is to achieve a wide negative margin with a rim of at least 1 cm of uninvolved tissue.
  • Total mastectomy may be required for lesions too big to achieve a 1 cm margin without markedly deforming the breast or for repeated local recurrences