Malignant Phyllodes Tumor in an Adolescent Female: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Primary breast neoplasms are rare in adolescent females, most of which are benign. Phyllodes tumors constitute a remarkably small subset of breast neoplasms (0.3-0.9%) with malignant phyllodes tumors being even more uncommon. Malignant phyllodes tumors tend to progress rapidly though only 1.5% metastasize. They are also associated with a higher rate of recurrence than their benign counterparts, underlying the importance of adequate surgical margins. It is therefore imperative to be able to identify these tumors early allowing for prompt resection and close follow-up. Here, we present the rare case of a 17-year-old female presenting with a rapidly enlarging breast mass, which was ultimately found to be a malignant phyllodes tumor. We further performed a review of the literature to highlight only 22 other cases reported in adolescent females.

A huge malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast with osteoclast-like giant cells: a case report

“…Most retrospective studies showed that radiotherapy might contribute to the low local recurrence but no benefit to disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) (18). There is also no solid evidence that chemotherapy can reduce the rate of recurrence or death (19).…”

Phylloides: Uncommon ulcerated breast tumor diagnosed at Singida regional referral hospital. Case report

“…Phylloides tumor is among the uncommon breast tumors to be diagnosed. The exact cause of phylloides tumor is not known yet but it has been linked to Li Fraumen Syndrome which is also rare syndrome [ 1 ].…”

“…The prevalence of phylloides tumor found to be 0.3%–0.9% of all breast neoplasm and incidence is 2.1% per million. Malignant phylloides tumor has prevalence of 1.5% making it very unlikely diagnosis [ 1 , 2 ].…”

“…Benign is common making up to 75% of the cases and the malignant one is rare. Histological diagnosis is of paramount importance as it determine the risk of recurrences and extent of surgery [ 1 , 3 ].…”

Phyllodes tumor in an adolescent female

“…Surgery is the primary modality of treatment. 4 Wide local excision with a margin of at least 1 cm is the surgery of choice. When the tumor size is large with respect to size of breast, total mastectomy may be required.…”