A Very Large Malignant Phyllodes Tumor with Skin Ulceration and Nipple Areola Complex Involvement—Still a Reality!!!

Abstract

Cystosarcoma phyllodes is an uncommon neoplasm of the breast, constituting 0.3-0.9% of all breast tumors. The incidence of malignant phyllodes tumor is even lower. The tumor is similar to fibroadenoma in structure, but it is distinguished from it histologically by large leaf-like projections of stroma with increased stromal cellularity (Dyer et al. Br J Surg 53:450-455, 1966). Although surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment, the extent of surgery required (excision vs. mastectomy) and the need for additional local therapy, such as radiotherapy, are unclear (Chaney et al. Cancer 89(7):1502-1511, 2000). We report a case of a 52-year-old married woman who presented to our outpatient department with 45 × 35 × 20cm ulcerative, foul-smelling, huge right breast mass weighing 12kg, and involving nipple areola complex, which turned out to be a malignant phyllodes tumor. The malignant variant of phyllodes tumor is indeed a very rare mammary tumor.