Malignant phyllodes tumour

Clinical:

  • A 33 years old lady
  • Right breast lump for 4 years
  • Presented with right nipple bloody discharge for few days
  • Initially minimal then soaked inside layer of bra
  • No fever, no constitutional symptoms
Bilateral mammogram in CC and MLO views

Mammogram findings:

  • Bilaterally dense breasts with symmetrical parenchymal pattern
  • There is a high density indistinct margin mass seen in the mid upper quadrant of the right breast with coarse calcifications within.
  • No suspicious cluster of microcalcifications.
  • No architectural distortion is observed. No skin thickening.
  • Both nipples are not retracted. No enlarged axillary nodes bilaterally.
Tomosynthesis images CC and MLO views

Tomosynthesis images:

  • Lobulated margin of the lesion is well demonstrated
  • Macrocalcification as noted on mammogram
Ultrasound of right breast lesion

Ultrasound findings:

  • There is a well-defined lobulated mass with internal calcification
  • It showed heterogenous echogenicity
  • Posterior enhancement is seen
  • Intralesional vascularity also noted

Core biopsy of lesion:

  • Macroscopy: specimen labelled as right breast biopsy consist of multiple strips of whitish tissue
  • Microscopy: section shows strips of tissue with extensive necrosis and hemorrhage with tiny area of viable tissue present. The viable tissue shows sheets of atypical cells displaying moderate pleomorphic, hyperchromatic nuclei with some shows prominent nucleoli. Occasional mitosis are seen. Scattered multinucleated giant cells are also noted.
  • Interpretation: Atypical cells seen. The biopsy showed predominant necrotic tissue and haemorrhage, therefore strongly suggest for repeat biopsy for proper evaluation

Wide local excision done:

  • HPE shows malignant Phyllodes tumour with malignant heterologous components and background fibrocystic changes. Vascular invasion is present, deep margin is involved. Other margins are clear.

Diagnosis: Malignant phyllodes tumour.

Discussion:

  • Phyllodes tumor, also known as cystosarcoma phyllodes, is a rare fibroepithelial tumor of the breast account for less than 0.3-1% of all breast neoplasms.
  • The occurrence is most common between the ages of 40 and 60, before the menopause with peak incidence of 45 years.
  • Phyllodes tumour are subclassified histologically as benign, borderline or malignant.
  • It is typically a large, fast growing mass that forms from the periductal stroma of the breast.
  • On mammogram, it is typically seen as non-specific large rounded oval or lobulated, generally well circumscribed, lesions with smooth margins. A radiolucent halo may be present. Calcification (typically coarse and plaque like) may be seen in a very small proportion.
  • On ultrasound, features are non-specific and can mimic that of a fibroadenoma
  • It is a locally invasive tumor. Treatment is usually with surgical excision. Large tumors may even require a full mastectomy. Both benign and malignant phyllodes tumors have a tendency to recur if not widely excised. Malignant degeneration is seen in 5-25%.
Author: radhianahassan