Home
About Us
Issues
Authors
Reviewers
Users
Subscription
Our Other Journals
Site map
Aims and Scope
Salient Features
Editorial Board
Editorial Statements
Editorial-PeerReview Process
Publication Ethics & Malpractice
Ijars Performance
Journal Policy
Contact Us
Current Issue
Forthcoming
Article Archive
Access Statistics
Simple Search
Advanced Search
Submit an Article
Instructions
Assistance
Publication Fee
Paid Services
Apply As Reviewer
Acknowledgment
Register Here Edit Register
Register For Article Submission
Login Here Logout
Login For Article Submission
Annual
Buy One Issue
Payment Options
How to Order
JCDR
IJNMR
NJLM

 

Welcome : Guest

Users Online :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case report

Year :2023 Month : May-June Volume : 12 Issue : 3 Page : SC06 - SC08 Full Version

A Case of Juvenile Giant Fibroadenoma of Breast: A Diagnostic Dilemma


S Gowsick, Lejeune Ramot Mahalakshmi, AN Roopa Urs
1. Postgraduate, Department of General Surgery, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. 2. Senior Resident, Department of General Surgery, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar, Karnataka, India.
 
Correspondence Address :
S Gowsick,
52L, Kongu Nagar, Tiruchengode Road, Namakkal-637001, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: gowsickshanmugam@gmail.com
 
ABSTRACT

: Fibroadenomas are the most common type of breast tumours diagnosed in young women. Fibroadenomas found in children and adolescents are termed as juvenile fibroadenomas of which giant fibroadenomas are rare account for 0.5-2% of all fibroadenomas, that cause asymmetry of the breasts and are characterised by rapidly growing mass of more than 5 cm in greatest dimension, and/or weight more than 500 gm, or replaces at least 80% of the breast. Both phyllodes tumour and giant fibroadenoma have similar clinical presentations. The current case is of 15-year-old female with a rapidly growing mass in the left breast with in a span of six month duration measuring 15×10 cm and was associated with dilated veins over it. The clinical diagnosis was suggestive of phyllodes tumour. Cytopathological and histopathological reports showed the evidence of juvenile giant fibroadenoma. Hence, the purpose of this report is to differentiate phyllodes tumour from juvenile giant fibroadenoma preoperatively to obtain the best cosmetic outcome for a developing breast lesion.
Keywords : Adolescent, Breast tumour, Lump, Phyllodes tumour
DOI and Others : DOI: 10.7860/IJARS/2023/60510.2896

Date of Submission: Sep 29, 2022
Date of Peer Review: Nov 26, 2022
Date of Acceptance: Apr 07, 2023
Date of Publishing: May 01, 2023

AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? Yes
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. Yes

PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS:
• Plagiarism X-checker: Sep 30, 2022
• Manual Googling: Mar 30, 2022
• iThenticate Software: Apr 06, 2023 (11%)

ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin
 
Case Report

A 15-year-old girl reported to the outpatient department of General Surgery with a chief complaint of a lump in the left breast for past six months, which was initially smaller and rapidly progressed to the present size of 15×10 cm. She also noticed mild pain on and off for six months. She had reached menarche one year prior to the presentation with regular cycles. History of fever, nipple discharge, or trauma was insignificant. There was no significant family history, also no history of using oral contraceptive pills or any radiation exposure.

On examination, asymmetry was noted in both breasts. The left breast was enlarged and right was normal. A hard, non tender and mobile mass of size 15×10 cm was felt involving the entire left breast. The mass was not attached to the skin or underlying muscle. The nipple areolar complex was splayed out without any evident nipple discharge. The overlying skin was stretched and shiny in appearance, and multiple dilated veins were seen. There were no dimpling, puckering or paeu d orange types of changes visible. No axillary lymph nodes were palpable (Table/Fig 1),(Table/Fig 2).

The routine laboratory and biochemical investigations were within normal limits. Ultrasound of left breast revealed a large well defined, homogenous, hypoechoic solid lesion extending across the entire left breast (Table/Fig 3) for a length ~17 cm and depth of ~4.5 cm. Few thin septations were also noted within with areas of increased vascularity (Table/Fig 4) which was suggestive of a Phyllodes tumour. Core needle biopsy was attempted and due to torrential bleeding the procedure was denied. Further Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was done that showed features suggestive of fibroadenoma left breast. The patient and family were counselled and agreed to surgery and consent was obtained.

Total excision of the lump or simple mastectomy was planned. Inframammary incision was given, tumour was found deep in the subdermal layer with a deep margin anterior to the pectoralis major fascia and it was well encapsulated and highly vascularised. During surgery, the frozen section of the specimen also gave an impression of juvenile fibroadenoma. Hence, excision of the lump was done and skin edges were approximated (Table/Fig 5),(Table/Fig 6) and the lesion was sent for histopathological examination.

Grossly, the specimen was capsulated with engorged veins, cut surface was greyish yellow to greyish brown in colour, measuring 13×11×5 cm (Table/Fig 7). Histopathological examination of excised lesion showed a benign biphasic cellular tumour composed of epithelial cells and myoepithelial cells arranged predominantly in a pericanalicular pattern and focally as intracanlicular pattern in a background of fibrocollagenous stroma with few dilated blood vessels. Lack of atypia/leaf like architecture confirmed the diagnosis of juvenile giant fibroadenoma (Table/Fig 8)a,b.

Postoperative days were uneventful and drain tube was removed on the second postoperative day. Patient was doing fine till one year follow-up.
 
 
Discussion

Various reasons can lead to the development of abnormal breast lesions in adolescents, either physiological or pathological. The most common among adolescent benign breast lesions is juvenile fibroadenoma with a prevalence of approximately 2% in women in their second and third decade (1),(2) and accounts for 44% to 94% of total biopsied specimens (3). Fibroadenomas are asymptomatic, and shows progressive growth, but the growth phase is followed by a static phase in about 80% of patients, with regression in about 15% and progression in only 5%-10% (1),(2). The exact aetiology is unknown. Hormonal influence which implicates excess oestrogen stimulation, increased oestrogen receptors, or decreased oestrogen antagonists activity in the breast are thought to be a contributing factors as juvenile fibroadenomas increase in size during puberty or pregnancy and in response to oral contraceptives (4).

The name ‘phyllodes’ is taken from Greek, meaning ‘leaf-like’ which refers to leaf like pattern of tumour cells growth (5). Phyllodes tumour which usually occurs in the premenoupausal age group between 30 and 50 years should be suspected when rapidly growing breast mass (more than 3 cm) which is palpable (6). The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies phyllodes tumours into benign, borderline and malignant mainly based on histological features including nuclear atypia, stromal cellularity, mitotic activity, tumour margin appearance and stromal overgrowth (7). Another differential diagnosis was virginal hypertrophy, unequal growth of breast buds on one side related to stimulation of hormone and it lacks lobule formation along with presence of abundant connective tissue with ductal proliferation histologically (3). The most important aspect of treating a breast lump is reaching a correct diagnosis. The algorithm for investigation of breast lesion is through triple assessment: Clinical examination, radiological assessment and histopathological examination (8). Ultrasound is the investigation of choice for adolescent and modern ultrasonography is a reliable technique to diagnose fibroadenoma in the hands of experienced breast radiologists (8). Mammogram and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are in limited usage for benign breast lesions. Core needle biopsy remains the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis as this technique provide the more tissue (2) and it is easier to identify cell types and structures among malignant diseases. But Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) is preferred since it is less invasive. The stromal elements are a key component in differentiating phyllodes tumours from fibroadenomas and in differentiating a benign tumour from a malignant one (6). As the last resort, excisional biopsy needs for the diagnosis of giant fibroadenoma (9).

The treatment options are heterogenous and varied, from simple enucleation to mastectomy with or without immediate or delayed breast reconstruction (10). In a systematic review study involving 52 articles (153 patients) showed the mainstay of treatment is complete excision of the lump, which emphasised on conserving the breast parenchyma and nipple areolar complex, thereby achieving superior aesthetic results (10). The incisons can be circumareolar, infra or submammary. In large tumours, an inframammary incision is preferred to preserve the integrity of the normal breast parenchyma. The axillary incision can also be given as it will be hidden in the armpit. In this patient inframammary incision was given and complete excision of the tumour was done. Reconstructive procedure was planned for later date as the patient was reaching puberty. Long term follow-up is necessary for these kind of patients as the overall recurrence rate for fibroadenoma and phyllodes were reported to be 15% and 21%, respectively (11). Recurrence rates are also reported to be more in masses larger than 2 cm and need proper surveillance (12),(13).

The dilemma about this case was that a clinical diagnosis of phyllodes tumour was made due to the appearance of the large breast mass along with dilated veins but histological evidences along with the age and giant size of the lesion, this case was reported as giant juvenile fibroadenoma. Though preoperative diagnosis plays the key role in planning for surgery but the multimodality approach involving clinical, radiological and pathological diagnosis along with psychologist’s advice will give a better outcome for the patient.
 
 
Conclusion

Giant juvenile fibroadenomas are rare and their clinical picture might appear similar to cystosarcoma phyllodes. Hence, it is challenging to plan the best treatment along with better cosmetic outcomes. Mastectomy for giant juvenile fibroadenoma is in debate and it is reserved for recurrent or unusual cases.
 
REFERENCES
1.
ACOG Committee on Adolescent Health Care. ACOG Committee Opinion No 350, November 2006: Breast concerns in the adolescent. Obstet Gynecol. 2006;108:1329-36. ?doi?https://doi.org/10.1097/00006250-200611000-00060#doi#?pmid?17077268#pmid#   [Google Scholar]  [CrossRef]  [PubMed]
2.
Jayasinghe Y, Simmons PS. Fibroadenomas in adolescence. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2009;21:402 06. ?doi?https://doi.org/10.1097/GCO.0b013e32832fa06b#doi#?pmid?19606032#pmid#   [Google Scholar]  [CrossRef]  [PubMed]
3.
Baral S, Gyawali M, Thapa N, Chhetri RK, Dahal P. Giant juvenile fibroadenoma in an adolescent female: A case report. Clin Case Rep. 2020;8:3488-92. https:// doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.3466. ?doi?https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.3466#doi#?pmid?33363957#pmid#   [Google Scholar]  [CrossRef]  [PubMed]
4.
Musio F, Mozing D, Otchy DP. Multiple, giant fibroadenoma. Am Surg. 1991;57:438-41.   [Google Scholar]
5.
Chaney AW, Pollack A, McNeese MD, Zagars GK, Pisters PW, Pollock RE, et al. Primary treatment of cystosarcoma phyllodes of the breast. Cancer. 2000;89:1502-11. ?doi?https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(20001001)89:7<1502::AID-CNCR13>3.0.CO;2-P#doi#?pmid?11013364#pmid#   [Google Scholar]  [CrossRef]  [PubMed]
6.
Fernández-Ferreira R, Arroyave-Ramírez A, Motola-Kuba D, Alvarado-Luna G, Mackinney-Novelo I, Segura-Rivera R. Giant benign mammary phyllodes tumor: Report of a case and review of the literature. Case Rep Oncol. 2021;14:123-33. Doi: 10.1159/000510741. ?doi?https://doi.org/10.1159/000510741#doi#?pmid?33776693#pmid#   [Google Scholar]  [CrossRef]  [PubMed]
7.
Lakhani SR, Ellis IO, Schnitt SJ, Tan PH, van de Vijver MJ, eds. World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of the Breast. Lyon, France: IARC; 2012. World Health Organization Classification of Tumours; vol 4.   [Google Scholar]
8.
Pruthi S, Jones KN, Boughey JC, Simmons PS. Breast masses in adolescents: Clinical pearls in the diagnostic evaluation. Am Fam Physician. 2012;86:325-26.   [Google Scholar]
9.
Dasgupta R, Rajak TK, Kaushal S, Ritolia N. Giant juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast in a 12 year old girl. Afr J Paediatr Surg. 2022;19:271-73.   [Google Scholar]
10.
Sosin M, Pulcrano M, Feldman ED, Patel KM, Nahabedian MY, Weissler JM, et al. Giant juvenile fibroadenoma: A systematic review with diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Gland Surg. 2015;4:312-21.   [Google Scholar]
11.
Limaiem F, Kashyap S. Phyllodes tumour of the breast. 2022 Sep 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. PMID: 31082182.   [Google Scholar]
12.
Huang IC, Li PC, Ding DC. Recurrent juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast in an adolescent: A case report. Medicine. 2018;97:e10765. Doi: 10.1097/ MD.0000000000010765. ?doi?https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000010765#doi#?pmid?29768365#pmid#   [Google Scholar]  [CrossRef]  [PubMed]
13.
Grady I, Gorsuch H, Wilburn-Bailey S. Long-term outcome of benign fibroadenomas treated by ultrasound-guided percutaneous excision. Breast J. 2008;14(3):275-78. Doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4741.2008.00574.x. Epub 2008 Apr 6. PMID: 1839718.?doi?https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4741.2008.00574.x#doi#?pmid?18397185#pmid#  [Google Scholar]  [CrossRef]  [PubMed]
 
TABLES AND FIGURES
[Table/Fig-1] [Table/Fig-2] [Table/Fig-3] [Table/Fig-4] [Table/Fig-5]
[Table/Fig-6] [Table/Fig-7] [Table/Fig-8]
 
 
 

In This Article

  • Abstract
  • Material and Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Article Utilities

  • Readers Comments
  • Article in PDF
  • Citation Manager
  • How to Cite
  • Article Statistics
  • Link to PUBMED
  • Print this Article
  • Send to a Friend

Quick Links

REVIEWER
ACCESS STATISTICS
Home  |  About Us  |  Online First  |  Current Issue  |  Simple Search  |  Advance Search  |  Register  |  Login  |  Contact  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Use
Author Support  |  Submit Manuscript  |  IJARS Pre-Publishing  |  Reviewer  |  Articles Archive  |  Access Statistics
©INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANATOMY RADIOLOGY & SURGERY (IJARS), ISSN : 2277-8543.
EDITORIAL OFFICE : 1/9, Roop Nagar, Delhi 11000. Phone : 01123848553

* This Journal is owned and run by medical professionals *