SARCOMAS OF THE BREAST

Abstract

SUMMARYBreast sarcomas are rare lesions that can be derived from any of the mammary stromal cells. A phyllodes tumour may resemble a rapidly growing fibroadenoma but in an older age group. Behaviour ranges from benign to frankly malignant and cannot always be predicted from the histological appearance. For all the sarcomas spread is haematogenous rather than lymphatic and treatment is based on wide surgical clearance without axillary surgery. Angiosarcoma is a rare consequence of skin irradiation as part of breast conservation therapy. Fibrosarcomas have a tendency to relapse locally unless wide surgical margins have been achieved. Radiotherapy is not of value but chemotherapy can be used to palliate women with metastatic disease.