Breast malignant phyllodes tumor with rare pelvic metastases and long-term overall survival

BACKGROUND Malignant phyllodes tumor (PT) is a rare fibro epithelial neoplasm of the breast, which is poor prognosis due to high risk of recurrence and distant metastasis. METHODS We report a case of malignant PT. It had recurred locally five times, and the sixth relapse was occurred 54 months after first diagnosis, presenting a huge pelvic mass (14 cm × 11 cm) by CT scan. Histopathological examination has demonstrated a metastatic phyllodes tumor. After postoperative chemotherapy treatment, a longer survival has been achieved, which is more than 72 months. RESULTS Our case report describes a breast PT with several local recurrences and a rare metastasis (pelvic cavity), but long-term overall survival was achieved after surgery and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION We conclude that trustworthy prognosticators that identify patients with excessive potential of aggressive clinical course should be explored. Moreover, proper treatment could prolong overall survival of metastatic PT patients.