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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
16 year old with phyllodes tumor in left breast
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
16 year old with phyllodes tumor in left breast
by Lisa E, May 24, 2007 12:00AM
My daughter found a lump in her breast which after seeing her pediatrician sent us to a surgeon. She is 16 years old. The lump was about 3" wide and 1 1/2" thick. The surgeon did an ultrasound and added that there was an extension growing from mass. He attempted a needle aspiration however there was no fluid present, then stated it needed to be removed and was a fibroadenoma. The surgery was scheduled in about 3 weeks, which was yesterday. After removing this mass it was then diagnosed as a phyllodes tumor. It was almost the size of a tennis ball and had 2 or 3 knot like extensions on it, the appearance seemed very firm. (I did see it) The surgeon states it appears to be a stage 1 but will not confirm this until further testing is done on it. We are scheduled to go back Tuesday for follow up and path results. This is all very new and I am extremely concerned that my 16 year old daughter has this. What questions need to asked and what type of answers shoud I expect?????? Are there certain test result numbers I need to look for from our surgeon?
Concerned MOM
Concerned MOM
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, May 24, 2007 12:00AM
, May 24, 2007 12:00AM
Dear MOM: Phyllodes tumors cannot be differentiated from fibroadenomas with a needle biopsy. They usually appear very quickly and can be large at removal. Phyllodes tumors are usually benign but can be malignant. Some juvenile fibroadenomas look like phyllodes tumors but behave like fibroadenomas. This is a distinction made by a skilled pathologist (these may be the tests that your surgeon was referring to). A benign phyllodes tumor cannot metastasize (spread) so removing the tumor is the treatment. Because these can regrow locally, it is often recommended that it be removed with a 'margin' of normal tissue around it. If the tumor is malignant, removal of the tumor with a section of healthy tissue is also the treatment of choice, however, there may also be additional testing to make certain there has been no spread. In any case, if this does turn out to be a phyllodes tumor, there will need to be close followup.
I think I just responded to a post I believe may be from your daughter. Research the best doc in town (or the largest hospital within your area) that specializes in breast surgery and get a second opinion. I did not even know they still do basic needle biopsies, which would be my first question. GET A SECOND OPINION. And be sure you request a digital mammogram where
ever the closest place is that has the equipment available before allowing anyone to cut on her or do an invasive procedure in any way.