Introduction

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are uncommon fibroepithelial breast neoplasms, accounts 0.3-1.0% of all primary breast tumors.^[1] PTs are common in middle-aged women, average size: 4–7cm and rapid growth.^[2] They are composed of stromal and epithelial elements. These tumors graded into 3 categories: Benign, Borderline and malignant and is based on stromal cellularity, atypia, mitotic count, nature of tumor margins and presence of malignant heterologous component.^[3] The benign phyllodes tumour show overlapping features with cellular fibroadenoma and the malignant phyllodes tumour may be mistaken for primary breast sarcoma or spindled cell metaplastic carcinoma.^[1], ^[4] Thus, diagnosis of PT based on the integration of morphology remains challenging and correlates with prognosis; however, histologic features have not always been found to be predictive of clinical behaviour.^[1] In this review, we provide a collective stance that can serve as practical guide for pathological reporting and understanding of PTs and emphasizing use of special stain MUC4 for ruling out other differential diagnosis of PTs.

Case Report

A 50-year woman presented with painful enlargement of left breast since 15 months. Insidious in onset, gradually progressed and associated with pain. On examination: Firm, enlarged and tender. The overlying skin stretched; engorged veins seen. On palpation: Local rise of temperature and tenderness present, size: 25 cm. No palpable axillary lymphadenopathy; laboratory results were normal. Patient had similar complaints diagnosed as phyllodes 1^1/2 year back and operated.

CT Chest Report

A large lobulated hypodense lesion measuring 123 x 168 x 157mm in left breast with preserved fat planes, suggestive of benign pathology.

Discussion

PT is a biphasic tumor consisting of mesenchymal and epithelial elements, constituting <1% of all breast tumors with incidence of 2.1/1000000.^[5]

In the present study radiological features showed large lobulated hypodense lesion measuring approx.123 x 168 x 157 mm seen in left breast, preserved fat planes with underlying pectoralis muscle and similar observation were seen in other studies radiological images.^[6]

The natural behaviour of PT is an interesting phenomenon; recurrence rates are high, especially if subjected to incomplete excision, having positive margins/ less aggressive surgical treatment. Recurrence may show higher histologic grade with increase mitosis and potential for distant metastasis.^[7], ^[8]

Studies have shown 28%-44% of recurrence in benign PT present with higher grades than primary tumour, borderline phyllodes can recur in 14%-25% cases and transformed to malignant in 12%-54%.^[7] The atypical changes within stromal component can transform into sarcomatous features.^[9] PTs have leaf-like cellular lobulations and biphasic fibro-epithelial constitution, with predominance of stromal elements over epithelial cells. ^[2] Myxoid change in the stroma tends to be patchy and undergo degenerative changes; focal stromal myxoid change is not uncommon, but tumor composed diffusely of this tissue is very unusual.^[10]

In present case, an uncommon histologic variant of giant PT of breast with diffuse myxoid changes has been observed on recurrence of a recurrent PT, mimicking LGFMS, a very rare pattern of sarcomatous transformation. Fibrosarcoma is the most common pattern of sarcomatous transformation, second being myxoliposarcoma. ^[9] LGFMS is a rare breast tumour, can arise denovo or as transformation of PTs. LGFMS has bland histological appearance but malignant biological behaviour. ^[6] The tumour consists of spindle cell resembling fibroblast and includes 2 morphological changes, alternating collagenised hypocellular zones and cell rich myxoid area and arched curvilinear blood vessels.^[6] The spindled cells are not heteromorphic and mitotic figures are sparse.^[1] Similar morphology was seen in our case.

Differentiation between LGFMS and PT with diffuse myxoid changes was difficult, as both borderline and malignant PTs should be discriminated from rare LGFMS because of collagenized hypocellular zones and myxoid areas.^[8] Immunohistochemistry for MUC4, marker for LGFMS was carried out. The LGFMS then ruled out by IHC as MUC4 was negative.

The final diagnosis of recurrent PT (intermediate grade) with extensive myxoid change was given, based on previous and current microscopic findings.

Conclusion

In summary, PT are rare fibroepithelial neoplasm with potential for local recurrence and distant metastasis. PT show intratumoral morphologic and genetic heterogeneity, which may contribute to unpredictable clinical behaviour and difficulty in classifying them histologically.^[1] Recurrent PT which is a common stromal tumor was diagnosed as LGFMS because of its morphology change resembling, LGFMS which was ruled out with sensitive and specific marker i.e., MUC4.

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to acknowledge the immense help of histopathology technician of our department for the high quality histopathological preparations.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no relevant conflicts of interest.

Source of Funding

None.