Phyllodes tumor - why remove?

[SKB]

My biopsy says:  "The lesion seen here is a fibroepithelial lesion.  There is more stromal cellularity and more leaf-like configuration than in a typical fibroadenoma and there is some infiltration of the stromal tissue seen into the surrounding breast parenchyma.  These findings favor a phyllodes tumor.  The lesion should be removed in its entirety with adequate margins and examined histologically. Focally, the interface is somewhat irregular in character with a more cellular fibrous connective tissue seen between the adipose tissues. There is no significant cytologic atypia"

Would this be considered a benign phyllodes tumor?  If benign and malignant phyllodes tumors are treated alike, and they don't usually metastasize or cause health problems, why do I need to have it removed?  Does it make any difference that this tumor is actually in my axilla, rather than in my breast?

[samara80]

A related discussion, Phyllode tumor benign was started.

[tamisconvertible]

I was recently diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tummor. I've had mamograms ultrasounds and biopsies. Could this be a mistake? Im scheduled for surgery next week.i

[ranam2009]

A related discussion, after lumpectomy was started.

[lbells]

A related discussion, Benign Phyllodes Tumor reoccurance was started.

[wickedwaters]

I am a malignant phyllodes and my doctor referred to it as "fingers".  I had a lumpectomy w/out clear margins, hence, the "fingers".

There are some of us starting a phyllodes e-mail list.  If interested write ***@****

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear SKB:  Phyllodes tumors are not staged in the same manner as breast cancer. The following information regarding phyllodes tumor is directly from the textbook