Phyllodes tumors
occur only in the breast and are considered primary breast sarcomas emerging from the mammary gland mesenchymal tissue. Phyllodes tumors occur in the breast soft tissue and, though mostly benign and rare, they can be malignant. These connective tissue stroma tumors have epithelial presentations and grow very quickly. Though primary symptoms of the tumor are limited, the secondary symptoms and complications may well become serious.
Skin changes
Phyllodes tumors can grow fast, and one of the first symptoms includes the skin of the area where the lump is found becoming reddish and at times translucent or semi-transparent.
Shape and Size
The tumor lump is firm and becomes large, the average size being 5cm. They can also be as large as 30 cm and, while they do not cause any pain, they are warm to touch. They usually develop in the left breast and distort the shape of breast.
Bone pain
Patients in whom the cancer spreads may experience secondary symptoms like bone pain. This occurs when the cancerous growth affects the bones and joints of the patient.
Fatigue
Patients with Phyllodes tumors may not identify the tumor and routinely have fatigue and notice the movement of the breast tissue, this happens especially in women with more body fat. The patient will become fatigued and have spells of dizziness suggesting the tumor is spreading beyond the breast tissue.
Difficulty breathing
Some patients may experience dyspnea or difficulty breathing, which is a usual sign of heart or lung disease. This is also a secondary symptom of the tumors, suggesting the tumors have affected the lung or heart region as well.
Lymphedema
A complications of this sort of tumor includes Lymphedema. This happens when the body retains lymphatic fluid causing swelling in the affected area.
Ulceration
The skin of the breast may become ulcerated (pressure necrosis), but the swelling continues to be mobile.
Tags: Phyllodes tumors, breast tissue, Phyllodes tumors occur, secondary symptoms, tumors have, tumors occur
