Abstract

Background: Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are rare neoplasms that are classified as benign, borderline, or malignant. Although borderline PTs are generally less likely to recur or metastasize than are malignant PTs, they often undergo malignant transformation during relapse. Resection is recommended for local recurrence, whereas current treatments for metastasis have not been established. The prognosis of metastatic and recurrent PTs is poor. Clarification of the postoperative monitoring methods for PTs, especially borderline PTs, is important, so that timely treatment can be initiated if needed. Herein, we present a rare case of a borderline PT in which skin and lymph recurrence was suspected early after radical surgery. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old woman with a borderline PT in her right breast was referred to our hospital. A mastectomy with axillary lymph node sampling was performed. Suggestive of recurrence,18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed FDG accumulation in the skin and a lymph node shortly after surgery. Multidisciplinary treatment consisting of chemotherapy (with doxorubicin) and radiation therapy (like that for sarcoma) was administered, and the patient is alive >2 years thereafter. Conclusions: Our case suggests that early detection and medical intervention can control the recurrence of borderline PTs.

Keywords: PET/CT; Phyllodes Tumors; Recurrence; Lymph Node Metastasis;