Case report reveals malignant transformation in phyllodes tumors, suggesting need for vigilant monitoring.
Phyllodes tumors are rare fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast that typically exhibit benign or borderline behavior, with malignant transformation being an uncommon event. Even more exceptional is the occurrence of sarcomatous differentiation, particularly into osteosarcoma. We report the strikingly rare case of a 35-year-old female who initially presented with bilateral benign phyllodes tumors. Despite surgical excision and close follow-up, she developed a malignant transformation with osteosarcomatous features and widespread metastatic disease, including pulmonary and subcutaneous involvement. The aggressive course led to rapid clinical decline and ultimately, respiratory failure. This case underscores the unpredictable nature of phyllodes tumors and highlights the importance of vigilant, long-term monitoring - even in tumors initially diagnosed with benign. The transformation to an osteosarcomatous phenotype presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, reinforcing the need for a multidisciplinary approach and further research into tailored treatment options for such rare variants.
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Langade et al. (2026) studied this question.
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