Phyllodes tumors of the breast.

Abstract

Our objective was to study the color and pulse Doppler ultrasonography of phyllodes tumors of the breast. The data of 36 phyllodes tumors (19 benign, 5 borderline, and 12 malignant) were reviewed retrospectively. The median age of the patients was 41.5 years (range 13-62 years), and the tumors varied in size from 1.5 to 20 cm (median 4.6 cm). Most of the phyllodes tumors were lobulated masses with smooth margins, mildly hypoechoic internal echo texture, a heterogeneous internal echo pattern, and no microcalcification. Vessels were detectable on 35 of these tumors, with 51.4% having resistance index >0.700, 45.7% having pulsatility index >1.300, and 51.4% having V(max) >15 cm/s. The color Doppler characteristics were of no significant use in predicting the histological nature of the phyllodes tumors. If the sonographic features suggest a phyllodes tumor, a histological examination should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.