DIFFERENTIATING GIANT FIBROADENOMA FROM PHYLLODES TUMOR: A CYTOMORPHOLOGICAL APPROACH

The category of fibroepithelial lesions in the breast includes two key types: fibroadenomas (FA) and phyllodes tumors (PT). Both are biphasic tumors having epithelial and stromal components however the relative composition of both has been a benchmark differentiator in the diagnosis of these tumors. Among these, phyllodes tumors are particularly uncommon, representing less than 0.5% of breast cancer cases1. Typically diagnosed in women in their mid-40s, these tumors can display a variety of biological behavior, with some exhibiting aggressive local growth and others having the potential to metastasize2. The WHO 5th series defines the phyllodes tumors as a fibroepithelial neoplasm with a prominent intracanalicular architectural pattern and leaf like stromal fronds, capped by luminal, epithelial and myoepithelial layers, accompanied by stromal hypercellularity.