Verified By Apollo Hospitals October 1, 2024
Numerous newspapers, magazines, and online articles greatly emphasize breast care and self-diagnosis for breast cancer. But these articles do not shed light on lesser-known breast conditions. One of them is a phyllodes tumor.
It is a rare, mostly non-cancerous tumor that affects the breast’s connective tissues. The connective tissue is known as the stroma. This blog explains phyllodes tumors, their causes, symptoms, and various treatment options.
The breast is largely made up of fatty tissue that makes up most of the breast and the glandular tissues responsible for producing milk. However other connective tissues are also present. They are the fibrous tissues that are responsible for supporting and holding other tissues in place. These connective tissues are known as the stroma.
When a tumor grows from the stroma, it is called a phyllodes tumor. It is a rare tumor of the breast. It is mostly benign but may have the potential to become cancerous. Sometimes, these tumors are between benign and cancerous, and doctors consider such types of the tumor as borderline. These tumors can grow rapidly. But once they spread, it becomes challenging to treat.
The meaning of phyllodes is leaflike. As the tumor grows, it looks like a shape of a leaf under the microscope. It is unlikely to spread beyond the breast. It is also called cystosarcoma phyllodes.
The causes of a phyllodes tumor are unknown, and experts are investigating the same. Some experts believe that a protein called endothelin-1 contributes to an increase in fibroblast growth, and hormonal imbalance plays a role along with the following risk factors:
Like most breast tumors, you can also feel the phyllodes tumor, or your doctor may notice the lump during a regular check-up. The tumor is not painful. The lumps are hard, smooth, and well-defined, typically growing 3 centimeters or more in width in a few weeks or months. In some cases, it can stretch your skin, causing ulcers in the breast. It is also seen that the tumor generally appears more in the left breast than in the right.
If you have cancerous tumors, the symptoms appear as follows:
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a phyllodes tumor, you should immediately contact your doctor or visit the nearest hospital.
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You can develop a phyllodes tumor at any age. However, you are at a higher risk of developing cancer, if you are:
The first sign of a phyllodes tumor is the lump. It is the same with other types of breast cancer. Therefore it becomes challenging for doctors to diagnose a phyllodes tumor accurately. The following are some of the various types of diagnostic tests:
All phyllodes tumors, benign or otherwise, can grow and cause pain and other issues. Therefore, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it. The doctor may also remove healthy tissues around the tumor to ensure it doesn’t spread further. Based on the size and your preference, you can opt for any of the following surgeries:
If you have a malignant tumor, your doctor may prescribe the following treatment options after surgery :
Although the phyllodes tumor is usually not cancerous, there is a high chance that it may return within two years of surgery. Therefore, frequent and regular medical checks are needed for early detection of a phyllodes tumor.
Yes, benign or otherwise, these tumors can grow and cause extreme pain. Therefore, doctors recommend surgical removal.
A malignant tumor that is contained in the breast and has not spread to other body parts is easy to treat, prevent, and curable. However, if it has spread to other parts, it can become challenging.
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