MRI features of phyllodes tumor of the breast and the pathological study

Objective: To analyze the features of MRI and pathology for phyllodes tumor of the breast and to improve the diagnosis level.

Methods: The MRI data of 11 patients with phyllodes tumor of the breast were analyzed. The MRI features included morphology, signal intensity on pre-enhanced T1WI, appearance of dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE-MRI) and the type of time-signal intensity curve (TIC).

Results: The pathologic diagnosis for the 11 phyllodes tumor included 6 benign, 2 borderline and 3 malignant. All of the 11 tumors showed well-defined margins and lobulated lump. The signal intensity of tumor was lower (4 cases) than or equal (7 cases) to that of normal breast tissue on T1-weighted images. On T2-weighted images, 5 cases presented variegated appearance, 6 cases displayed high signal. Four cases showed patchy high signal on T1WI and T2WI. All patients underwent DCE-MRI and showed uneven enhancement. There were 7 cases in type I of TIC and 4 cases in type II.

Conclusions: The imaging findings of phyllodes tumor on MR is characteristic but not specific, the final diagnosis still depends on the histopathologic examination.