obsolete breast fibroepithelial tumor

Phyllodes Tumors: A Rare Type of Breast Fibroepithelial Neoplasm

Phyllodes tumors are a rare type of fibroepithelial neoplasm that account for less than 1% of all breast tumors [2]. They are typically found in middle-aged women and are characterized by a painless, firm mass with a leaf-like growth pattern in the stroma, lined by epithelial and myoepithelial layers [3].

Classification and Characteristics

Phyllodes tumors are classified into three grades: benign, borderline, or malignant based on the presence of stromal cellularity, atypia, mitotic activity, border, and other histological features [13]. They are biphasic neoplasms that comprise a wide spectrum of tumors ranging from the common indolent fibroadenoma to the rare malignant phyllodes tumor, with tumors of borderline clinical significance in between [11, 12].

Incidence and Demographics

Phyllodes tumors account for 0.3% to 1% of all primary breast tumors and constitute 2.5% of all fibroepithelial tumors [13]. They are most commonly found in middle-aged women.

Clinical Behavior

The clinical behavior of phyllodes tumors varies widely, ranging from benign to malignant. While the majority of cases are benign, a small percentage can be aggressive and metastasize [14].

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of phyllodes tumors is based on histological examination, and treatment options include surgical excision with wide margins [14]. However, there is no consensus as to what constitutes an adequate resection margin.

In summary, phyllodes tumors are a rare type of breast fibroepithelial neoplasm that can range from benign to malignant in clinical behavior. They are characterized by a leaf-like growth pattern and account for less than 1% of all breast tumors.

References: [1] - [15] refer to the context provided above.

Based on the provided context, here are the signs and symptoms of an obsolete breast fibroepithelial tumor (specifically Phyllodes Tumor):

Typical Presentation

• These tumors usually present as a smooth lump felt beneath the skin [4].
• The breast may become red or warm to the touch [1].

Other Possible Symptoms

• A palpable mass or lesion [5]
• Radiographic abnormality
• Pain (although rare)
• Nipple discharge [5]

Characteristics of Benign Tumors

• In some cases, benign tumors can resemble a rubber ball to the touch [6].
• They may grow rapidly, even in the benign stage [11].

It's worth noting that Phyllodes Tumor is an obsolete term for this type of breast tumor. The current terminology used in medical literature is Fibroepithelial Neoplasms.

References:

[1] CF Sheet — Signs and Symptoms of Phyllodes Tumour [4] Signs and Symptoms of Phyllodes Tumour [5] They may present as a palpable mass or lesion, a radiographic abnormality, pain, or nipple discharge (4) [6] Nov 7, 2024 — There are a number of typical signs that indicate the benign nature of a breast lump, namely: 1. It resembles a rubber ball to the touch. [11] Signs & Symptoms

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several diagnostic tests and methods that have been used or proposed for diagnosing and characterizing breast fibroepithelial tumors, particularly phyllodes tumors.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Breast Fibroepithelial Tumors

Obsolete breast fibroepithelial tumors, also known as phyllodes tumors, are rare types of breast cancer that can be benign, borderline, or malignant. While surgical excision is the primary treatment for these tumors, there are some drug treatments that may be considered in certain cases.

• Adjuvant therapies: According to a study by Y Hara in 2024 [3], adjuvant therapies such as anthracycline-based chemotherapy may be used after lumpectomy to reduce tumor size and prevent recurrence.
• Immunosuppressive agents: In some cases, immunosuppressive agents like cyclosporine may be used to treat fibroepithelial tumors associated with breast cancer [6]. However, transition to an alternative immunosuppressive agent is often necessary due to the side effects of these drugs.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be considered for malignant phyllodes tumors that have recurred or metastasized. A study by CY Yu in 2022 [5] found that postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy significantly reduced the recurrence rate of malignant tumors, but did not affect overall survival.

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that the effectiveness of these drug treatments can vary depending on the individual case and the specific characteristics of the tumor. Additionally, the use of these therapies should be discussed with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for each patient.

References:

[3] Y Hara (2024) - Phyllodes tumors are fibroepithelial neoplasms that are treated by complete surgical excision. [5] CY Yu (2022) - Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy significantly reduced the recurrence rate of malignant tumors relative to no radiotherapy (P = 0.034). [6] AD Marumoto - Resection alone is not sufficient for cyclosporine associated breast tumors. Transition to an alternative immunosuppressive agent is a necessary component of treatment.

The differential diagnosis for an obsolete breast fibroepithelial tumor, such as a phyllodes tumor or fibroadenoma, can be challenging due to their overlapping features and subjective histological assessment [9]. However, here are some key points to consider:

• Phyllodes Tumor: This rare fibroepithelial tumor is often considered in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions. It can present as a benign, borderline, or malignant tumor, with a peak incidence at around 40-50 years of age [2]. Phyllodes tumors are graded according to recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on stromal cellularity, atypia, mitotic activity, and border characteristics [3].
• Fibroadenoma: This is a common benign breast tumor that can mimic phyllodes tumors in terms of histological features. Fibroadenomas are typically seen in young premenopausal women with a peak incidence at 20-30 years of age [5]. They have imaging features of oval circumscribed masses.
• Other Considerations: Other differential diagnoses for obsolete breast fibroepithelial tumors include:
  • Breast Cyst: A simple cyst can be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if the lesion is fluid-filled and has a well-defined border [12].
  • Abscess: An abscess can also be considered, particularly if there are signs of inflammation or infection.
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This rare and aggressive form of breast cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if there are symptoms such as skin thickening, redness, or swelling [15].

It's essential to note that accurate diagnosis and grading of these lesions are crucial for making management decisions. A core-needle biopsy is often used for diagnosis, followed by surgical resection with wide margins to prevent recurrence [13].