Which of the following is false about phyllodes tumor?
First, the core concept. Phyllodes tumors are a type of breast tumor. They can be benign, borderline, or malignant. The key points are their histological features, growth patterns, and management. The question is asking which statement is false.
Next, the correct answer explanation. Let me recall: phyllodes tumors are characterized by leaf-like projections of stroma into the epithelial component. They are usually large, and while they can be benign, they have a risk of local recurrence and rare metastasis. The treatment is wide local excision, and mastectomy is not typically required unless there's extensive involvement. So if an option says that mastectomy is the standard treatment, that's false.
For the wrong options: if one says it's a benign tumor, that's true. If another mentions leaf-like projections, that's correct. If an option states that they arise from stromal cells, that's accurate. The false one would be something like "treated with mastectomy as first line" or "highly metastatic."
Clinical pearl: Remember that phyllodes tumors are stromal in origin, not epithelial. Wide excision is key to prevent recurrence. Mastectomy is not standard unless there's extensive disease.
Putting this all together, the false statement would be an option claiming mastectomy is the primary treatment. Let me structure the answer accordingly, making sure each section is covered and the correct answer is identified.
**Core Concept**
Phyllodes tumors are rare stromal breast neoplasms classified as benign, borderline, or malignant based on histological criteria. They are characterized by leaf-like stromal projections and may recur locally but rarely metastasize. Diagnosis relies on histopathology, and management depends on tumor size, cellularity, and mitotic activity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The false statement is **Option C** ("Treated primarily with mastectomy"). Phyllodes tumors are typically managed with wide local excision with clear margins (1β2 cm), not mastectomy, unless the tumor is large or involves extensive breast tissue. Mastectomy is reserved for rare cases with malignant features or incomplete resection. Local recurrence is more common than metastasis, emphasizing the need for adequate surgical margins.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** ("Arise from breast stroma") is correct. Phyllodes tumors originate from fibroblastic stroma, not epithelial cells.
**Option B:** ("Show leaf-like stromal projections") is correct. Histologically, they exhibit distinctive leaf-like stromal structures with overlying epithelium.
**Option D:** ("Benign variants are common") is correct. Most phyllodes tumors are benign, though malignant variants exist and require closer monitoring.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember: Phyllodes tumors are **stromal**, not epithelial. Use **wide local excision** with margins to prevent recurrence. Avoid mastectomy unless indicated by tumor size/malignancy. Distinguish from fibroadenomas