Unmasking Phyllodes Tumor: When Fibroadenoma Leads to a Surprising Diagnosis

Key Findings from the Case Report:

  • A 43-year-old female presented with a palpable breast mass, initially diagnosed as a fibroadenoma through multiple core needle biopsies.
  • Over the years, the mass increased in size, leading to surgical enucleation.
  • Final pathology unexpectedly confirmed a benign phyllodes tumor, necessitating surgical re-excision to ensure proper margins.
  • Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and cytological evaluations played a crucial role in reassessing the diagnosis.

Clinical and Surgical Implications:

  • Patient Presentation: Studies indicate that phyllodes tumors typically present in older patients (average age: 39 years) and are larger in size (>5 cm) compared to fibroadenomas.
  • Surgical Considerations: While fibroadenomas can often be managed conservatively, phyllodes tumors require excision with at least 1 cm margins to reduce recurrence risk.
  • Re-Excision Strategy: Utilizing techniques such as Savi-Scout localization to identify seroma cavities post-enucleation aids in achieving negative surgical margins.

Further Reading & Related Topics:

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