Anyone with a Phyllodes Tumor?

PMRobbins88

My Doctor and Radiologist are unsure what my lump is and I am digging for answers. Ultra sound showed a 2-3 cm mass with a cyst inside of it. Awaiting word to see if I am eligible for a biopsy since I am unisured.



I have been digging through on line ultra sound images and the only thing that comes close to what my lump looks like is the Phyllodes. I would like to know if anyone here has had or has a Phyllodes Tumor and what their experiences are and how they were diagnosed. I am gonna call my doctor on Monday and voice my concern here.

Moderators

Hi PMRobbins58,

While you wait for the ever-helpful advice from the other members here, you may be interested in reading up on the main Breastcancer.org site's pages on Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast, including information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hope this helps!

The Mods

PMRobbins88

It sounds identical! Thank you! But I see no mention of translucent skin to the point where underlying veins can be seen. That is directly over my lump, which is right under the skin. Again, this matches up with Phyllodes since Phyllodes does not occur in ducts or lobules. Still need some answers....

annagoanna

Hi, I was diagnosed with malignant phyllodes tumours in 2009 and had two surgeries to remove the tumours and achieve the clear margins required.  

Many people with phyllodes do not have a definitive diagnosis until the tumours have been removed and the pathology team have been able to look at the excised tumour more closely.  

However it is worth remembering that the best course for reducing any recurrence or metastases (which are rare) is to ensure that good clear margins around the excised tumours are removed.  Many surgeons don't remove as much as they're aware of the asthetic of tumour removal however do push for good clear margins.  Breast tissue also has the fabulous capacity to 'reshuffle' into place over time so any indentations are often not seen some months after surgery.  

I put my journey online with some reference links to other sites and papers that you may find of interest.  www.annawallace.co.uk  There is also a phyllodes online support group within Facebook if you feel it would be useful to 'speak' with others who have been diagnosed.

Best of luck and keep positive 

AnnaGoAnna

x

teesa2you

I have a date with the surgeon on tuesday to discuss my open biopsy. The radiologist report said possible phyllodes tumor. But I think they are treating it like a fibroadenoma. I am 45 and have had it biopsied a year and a half ago only to have it grow back. I am staying positive!

MaineCoonKitty

I had a malignant PT diagnosed in May 2009.  It grew very quickly in a couple of months time.  The very first symptom I had was something just didn't feel quite right in my left breast when I wore a tight sports bra for running and as you mentioned, the skin was so translucent that the veins in the breast became very noticible.  I had a complete mastectomy on the left side and my PT was so large and so agressive that I underwent both chemo and radiation.

The good news is that I'm now 4 years out and everything is great!  I don't even think about cancer anymore.  I consider it a part of my past history and while I am vigilent about it returning, I have quit worrying about that and have moved on.  I survived the PT, the chemo and the radiation and I've never felt better or looked back.  Be brave and don't let yourself get swept away with fear or dread.  Face it head on and fight it with everything you have, then get on with your life.  You'll do fine.

ch75

Hi

When i was 35 I had a core needle biopsy in Nov. 2009 and radiologist said it was a fibroid, nothing to worry about. The lump continued to grow and grow and grow. The radiologist started to become concerned and recommended surgery to remove in April 2011. Turns out it was a phyllodes tumor. Three months later at follow up mammo i had new lump. That one was removed Dec. 2011. My dr says core needle biopsys can miss diagnose phyllodes tumors.

Its two years later and no new tumors...yeah! I experienced a great deal of pain with the tumors and after surgery. I now take neurotin to manage pain.

I go Fri for my yearly mammo and ultrasound. I get sooo nervous because i have been told there is high reocurrance with PT.

I have found the best info comes from other women who have had PT not from some of my drs.

Best wishes!

ADM81

My path report is also unclear but they think it is either fibroadenoma or PT. I go for an MRI tomorrow and meet with surgeon again July 9 to schedule lumpectomy. Ready to get this behind me!