A giant phyllodes tumor of the breast causing severe disfigurement. A case report.

Phyllodes tumours (PTs) are rare fibroepithelial neoplasms representing about 0,2% to 2% of all breast tumors with an incidence of about 2.1 per million. The classification proposed by the World Health Organization for PTs into benign, borderline, and malignant is based on a combination of several histologic features. High-grade malignant phyllodes tumors may spread by hematogenous route. While smaller and moderate size malignant phyllodes may typically be seen, gigantic ones with larger than 10 cm in diameter are very rare. We report an unusual case of a giant malignant phyllodes tumor with metastases that grew over a 6 years period causing significant ulceration, body disfigurement and physical transformation. Our experience indicated that surgical treatment of malignant phyllodes tumor might be an option for improving patients' quality of life, regardless of the extremely poor prognosis. KEY WORDS Breast, Malignant phyllodes tumor, Surgical treatment.