Phyllodes Tumour

Hello everyone. I'm 28 and I've just had a rollercoaster of a journey with a lump in my left breast.

I had a lumpectomy to remove what the doctors were convinced was a fibroadenoma. It turned out to be a benign phyllodes tumor. I understand these are quite rare, fast growing (it was in my case!) and can regrow.

My pathology report showed that the tumor what removed entirely but, in certain sections, they were unable to determine whether the thin band of fibrous tissue abuts the surgical resection margin. I.e they weren't sure if there was a wide enough cut around it (presumably because they assumed with my age and health that it was in fact a fibroadenoma). 

They are reviewing my case today, but I have a relative in Canada who has told me that the surgical resection margin in 1cm around the tumor site minimum there to prevent regrowth.

On the basis that my surgeon decides not to re operate and just discharges me, does anyone have experience with regrowth?

I obviously put all my faith in doctors and especially my surgeons they have been wonderful. I just cant help worrying about a regrowth when my aunty (also a doctor) has raised concern about the pathology report.

Any advice would be appreciated !

Parents
  • Hello, I'm new to the forum but wanted to respond as phyllodes tumours are not the most common of things. I recently had a so-called fibroadenoma removed. Pathology showed it to be a borderline phyllodes tumour. My surgeon was very keen to go back in and get clean margins of at least 1 cm. This hadn't been done in the original surgery because, at that time, they thought it was an FA.  I had a second surgery in February. Limited studies have been done on PTs, but obtaining a good amount of clear margins (commonly reported as 1 cm)  is considered to be an important factor in helping prevent recurrences (from several studies). In general, this seems to be thought 'best practice' for all grades of PTs where a lumpectomy is done (although some individual  surgeons might have different ideas). I wish you the best, and listen to your Aunty!!

Reply
  • Hello, I'm new to the forum but wanted to respond as phyllodes tumours are not the most common of things. I recently had a so-called fibroadenoma removed. Pathology showed it to be a borderline phyllodes tumour. My surgeon was very keen to go back in and get clean margins of at least 1 cm. This hadn't been done in the original surgery because, at that time, they thought it was an FA.  I had a second surgery in February. Limited studies have been done on PTs, but obtaining a good amount of clear margins (commonly reported as 1 cm)  is considered to be an important factor in helping prevent recurrences (from several studies). In general, this seems to be thought 'best practice' for all grades of PTs where a lumpectomy is done (although some individual  surgeons might have different ideas). I wish you the best, and listen to your Aunty!!

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