Phylloides tumours: review of 42 cases

Aim

This is a review of 42 cases of phylloides tumours seen in the two breast units over a 5-year period (1996–2001). The importance of triple assessment and particularly correlation between radiology and cytology is shown.

Methods and results

All patients with confirmed histology report of phylloides tumours were included in the study. The age range of patients was 23–76. One patient had bilateral phylloides tumour. Twenty-four patients had an R3 score and 36 patients had a U3 score. Thirty-seven patients had C3 score. Nineteen patients had core biopsy, which confirmed phylloides tumour. Four patients had B1 core and 14 patients preferred excision to core biopsy. Thirty-six patients had benign phylloides tumour and six patients had malignant phylloides.

Discussion

Clinically, most of the benign phylloides were diagnosed as fibro-adenomas. However, as can be seen in the data above, many phylloides tumours do have a slightly atypical appearance either on radiology or cytology, or both. The multidisciplinary team reviewed all these patients before a decision for surgery was made and all histology was reviewed.

Conclusion

Triple assessment and multidisciplinary team approach is essential for all atypical radiology or cytology scores.