Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excisional biopsy to treat benign phyllodes tumors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of ultrasound (US)-guided vacuum-assisted excisional biopsy (VAB) in treating benign phyllodes tumors (PTs) of the breasts and to investigate the lesion characteristics that could affect the local recurrence rate. PATIENT AND METHODS: From December 2008 to February 2018, 93 patients with PTs diagnosed on histology underwent US-guided, 7-gauge VAB. The recurrence rate of benign PT and complications of VAB were evaluated on follow-up US every three to six months. The lesion characteristics were analyzed to identify the factors affecting the recurrence rate. RESULTS: Of the 87 patients, local recurrence was found in 15 patients (17%) in a mean follow-up period of 35.8 months, and the rate of complete excision was 82.8% (72/87). PTs with a largest diameter less than 3.3 cm had a significantly lower recurrence rate than PTs with a largest diameter larger than 3.3 cm (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, US-guided VAB is an effective method to treat benign PT, especially in lesions with a diameter less than 3.3 cm.