clinical features

Last reviewed 01/2018

Phyllodes tumours usually develop in women over the age of 35 years but may occur in young girls around the menarche.

Presentation is usually with a bulky, lobulated mass which greatly enlarges and distorts the breast. The overlying skin is red and warm, reflecting the increased vascularity.

In large tumours, pressure skin necrosis may develop. In these, the capsule of the tumour may rupture, and the growth fungate through the skin as an irregular mass.