Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast: A Literature Review

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) of the breast are considered a rare fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast and are considered a challenging for both pathologists and surgeons. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified PTs histologically as benign, borderline, and malignant. PTs can be detected in all ages; however, the median age of presentation is 45 years. PTs can mimic fibroadenoma in clinical presentations. Breast imaging is also similar to fibroadenomas. Cytological diagnosis of PTs by biopsy is usually unreliable. However, a core needle biopsy is superior to fine-needle aspiration. Surgery is considered the mainstay treatment for PTs of the breast with a goal of achieving negative margins. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy use for malignant PTs are controversial.