Myths and Facts About Phylloides Tumors

To understand what the myths about Phylloides (or Phyllodes) tumors, you must first know what exactly Phylloides tumors are.  Named for the Greek term for leaf (phullon), this type of tumor does indeed resemble a leaf-like shape when viewed under a microscope.  Because it is a solid mass, it is considered a type of tumor, rather than a cyst (which is usually observed as clear and fluid-filled upon ultrasound, mammogram, or x-ray).  The following are statements that are commonly said about Phylloides tumors, and their answers: 

"Having a Phylloides Tumor means you have breast cancer."

Myth!  There are several types of breast cancer, and while Phylloides tumors can lead to developing breast cancer, their occurrence is not necessarily indicative of breast cancer.  When most people think of breast cancer, they think of the type that is associated with the lymph nodes, whereas Phylloides is a form of sarcoma, and tumors form in the connective tissue of the breasts.  Phylloides tumors can be benign (non-cancerous), borderline, or have various forms of malignancy.  If benign, you have a slight risk for recurrence, and each recurrence may become malignant at any time.  Because of its aggressive nature, Phylloides tumors can change rapidly from benign to malignant the longer they are allowed to grow before removal, putting you at greater risk of metastasing into various cancers, including breast, lung, or brain cancer. 

"Phylloides Tumors are Easily Missed."

This is true.  Unfortunately, Phylloides tumors are not always recognized by doctors.  In fact, if a lump is detected, doctors generally do not further evaluate unless there is a medical/family history of cancers, or if the lump is over 2 centimeters in size.  When biopsying, the least invasive option is by taking a core-needle sample of the tissue.  The problem with doing so, is that it will not exhibit the leaf-life structure to indicate Phylloides unless completely removed through excision.  If observed through a mammogram or ultrasound, you can tell that it is a tumor, but it resembles another similar type called a fibroadenoma.  Fibroadenomas are hormonally-induced and are considered harmless and common in all age groups.  Therefore, they are merely core-biopsied and flagged, but not excised unless they are large in size and/or the patient requests removal.  Small lumps are often not visible to the touch; Ones that are detected may be given the "wait and see" approach, unless indicated otherwise.

"Phylloides Tumors Only Affect a Certain Group of People."

Myth!  Not only may teens develop Phylloides tumors, but so can people in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, and beyond.  Women and men may at any time develop these types of tumors.  Because of the push for only having women receive regular mammograms after age 30 or 40, and no requirements for men, the likelihood of women and men in developing Phylloides tumors and breast cancer is greater, giving tumors undetected in earlier years the chance to become malignant and metastasize.

"Curing Phylloides Tumors Involves Mastectomy."

This one is true in some cases.  Because Phylloides tumors are sarcomas, they don't respond to traditional cancer treatments of radiation or chemo-therapy.  If removal and obtaining clear margins does not keep new Phylloides tumors from growing, and if they continue to be malignant or metastasize, mastectomy (partial or full removal of one or both breasts) may be the only option to save your life.  And even then, the chances for developing further cancers is greater, with varied prognoses.

"Hormonal Imbalances Cause Phylloides Tumors"

Myth!  Though there are patients who have had hormonal imbalances, and possibly hormonally-induced fibroadenomas and other skin abnormalities who also develop Phylloides tumors, it still remains unknown as to how or why these tumors form.  Much research continues to be done on this rare sarcoma that continues to affect the lives of people worldwide through all walks of life.  Many patients have joined support groups and independent studies in hopes that eventually more information can be learned about detecting and treating Phylloides tumors before it is too late.

What You Can Learn

Knowing your body can be the best defense for your health.  That is something I personally have learned.  Any abnormalities you detect, and certainly any breast lumps you may feel, should be referred to your doctor as soon as possible.  Not all lumps will be tumors, and not all tumors will be Phylloides.  Regular breast self-exams are a must!  And if you have a doctor who is not knowledgeable in Phylloides detection or treatment, a breast surgeon will be your best bet in the long-run for proper care.