Giant malignant phyllodes tumor with ulceration: A case report and brief review of the literature

A phyllodes tumor (PT) is a rare breast neoplasm characterized by variable biological behavior, ranging from benign to malignant. A number of PTs exhibit a rapid growth and are classified as fibroepithelial tumors with a notable risk of local recurrence. Of note, ~10-15% of cases are malignant and may recur locally in up to 30% of instances.

The present study describes a case of a rapidly growing, giant, ulcerative malignant PT. A 40-year-old female patient presented with a rapidly enlarging left breast mass over period of 2 months. An examination revealed a hard, irregular, fixed mass measuring ~24x20x17 cm, with a skin ulceration.

She underwent a wide local excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Histopathological analysis confirmed a malignant PT with myoid differentiation. At the 1-year follow-up, recurrent PT was diagnosed, and a modified radical mastectomy was performed.

In a review of the literature …