Malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast with rapid progression: a case report

BACKGROUND: Malignant phyllodes tumors (PTs) of the breast occur infrequently and are difficult to treat with adjuvant therapy. Here, we present a case of a female patient with a huge malignant PT with rapid progression in a short period. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a rapid growth mass in her right breast, measuring 20 cm. She was initially diagnosed as having a borderline phyllodes tumor by core needle biopsy and underwent total mastectomy and artificial dermis was grafted, 20 days later, latissimus dorsi muscle flap and free skin grafting were performed. Two courses of doxorubicin–ifosfamide therapy were administered because of recurrence, but the patient died 4 months after the mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: A standard therapeutic strategy for malignant PTs is needed in urgently to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.