CLINICOCYTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF

CYSTOSARCOMA PHYLLOIDES vis a vis

FIBROADENOMA
Dr. Brij mohan kumar singh, Dr. Lakshmi Rao, Dr. Anuradha C K
Rao.
Dept. Of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College.
Manipal,Karnataka.
Cystosarcoma phyolloides is a a rare breast tumour belonging to the broad category of
fibroepithelial tumours of uncertain etiology. Distinction from fibroadenoma is important as
the treatment differs. Cystosarcoma phylloides is usually larger than fibroadenoma and
posses a distinctive connective tissue which is more cellular, pleomorphic and mitotically
more active.
Cytologically diagnosed cases of cystosarcoma phylloides and cellular fibroadenoma from
the files of the pathology department between jan 2006 and july 2010 and with available
histopathological correlation were included in the study. Data relating to age, site, size of
tumour and cytological parameters were included. The cytological parameters like ratio of
stroma to epithelium, pattern and cytological characterstics of the stromal and epithelial cells,
presence or absence of large and hypercellular stromal fragments, dissociated spindle and
plump stromal cells were collected and analysed. Smear from malignant phylloides showed
predominantly mesenchymal component.
Phylloides tumour is often underdiagnosed by the pathologist and undertreated by the
surgeon. Cellular fibroadenoma can often be misdiagnosed as cystosarcoma phylloides. A
correct pre-operative diagnosis of the tumour on cytology is imperative as it allows proper
surgical planning besides preventing a possible re-operation.

Keywords: cystosarcoma phylloides, cellular fibroadenoma.