Phyllodes tumor of the breast: problems of differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach from an analysis of 17 cases.

Retrospective analysis of 17 cases of phyllodes tumor with a follow-up of almost 1 year revealed no close correlation between histological pattern and clinical course, since local relapse occurs even after histological findings of benign lesion in the primary tumor. Phyllodes and fibroadenoma patterns are often associated in the same patient and extensive surgery is not recommended owing to the fact that recurrences are observed both after subcutaneous mastectomy and after simple resection. We conclude that local control of the disease by wedge resection and strict follow-up may be the most rational approach.