A Giant Exulcerated Phyllodes Breast Tumor - A Case Report

Phyllodes tumors of the breast can be benign, malignant, or borderline. Benign and borderline tumors are rare tumor types that have a positive outlook and high survival rate, while the risk of recurrence is typical for malignant breast tumors. Giant phyllodes tumors are larger than 10 cm in diameter and demand a serious diagnostic and treatment approach.

In this study we present a case of a female patient treated for an exulcerated breast carcinoma- a giant borderline phyllodes tumor of the breast. The patient presented to the department for the right breast lump with ulcerated skin and nipple abnormalities. The core biopsy was performed and the patient was diagnosed with a benign tumor. Simple mastectomy was performed and final histopathological report revealed a borderline phyllodes tumor. Diagnosis and treatment of a giant phyllodes tumor remain a great challenge for the surgeons. Establishing the preoperative diagnosis based on histopathological findings is imperative to disease management. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and mastectomy has been the traditional procedure; in cases where suspicious findings in the axilla are revealed, radical mastectomy is performed and the axilla is to be dissected.