[Commentary to the paper: immobilising malignant phyllodes tumour of the breast by E. Fritsche, U. Hug und D. Winterholer]

The size of a tumor should not be the limiting factor when it comes to the decision for surgical treatment of such entities. Due to modern plastic reconstructive techniques an R0 situaiton should always be attempted, and in the worst case an interdisciplinary palliative resection should be possible and recommendable. As the present case with a tumour that led to immobility clearly indicates, the gain in quality of life undoubtedly is a proof of the necessity and value of the surgical treatment of this entity.