Phyllodes tumors are rare fibroepithelial lesions that occur in the breast. They are classified as benign, borderline, or malignant. Here’s what you need to know about their recent advances and treatment:
- Diagnosis:
- Clinical Assessment: Doctors perform a thorough examination of the breast to detect any lumps.
- Imaging: Techniques like mammograms and ultrasounds help visualize the tumor.
- Biopsy: Fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy provides tissue samples for analysis.
- Treatment Options:
- Lumpectomy: Both benign and malignant phyllodes tumors are treated with surgical removal (lumpectomy). Surgeons remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to prevent recurrence.
- Radiation Therapy: For malignant tumors, radiation therapy may follow surgery to further reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Clinical Practice Variation:
- A recent international cross-sectional study among surgeons and oncologists revealed considerable variation in clinical practice managing phyllodes tumors.
- Recommendations included tumor-free excision margins for benign tumors and wider margins for borderline and malignant tumors.
- Multidisciplinary team meetings play a crucial role in treatment planning and follow-up.
- Adjuvant treatment opinions varied, with a trend toward more liberal regimens for locally advanced tumors.
- Most respondents preferred a five-year follow-up period for all phyllodes tumor types.
- Guideline Development:
- There is a need to develop evidence-based guidelines that recognize the heterogeneity of phyllodes tumors.
- Education and further research are essential to ensure appropriate surgical margins and follow-up strategies.
Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice based on your specific case.