What is a borderline phyllodes tumour? A borderline phyllodes tumour is a type of breast tumour that shows uncertain behavior over time. While most borderline phyllodes will behave like a non-cancerous tumour over time, a small number will spread to other parts of the body in a manner more in keeping with a cancerous tumour. …
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What is a benign phyllodes tumour? A benign phyllodes tumour is a rare non-cancerous type of breast tumour. Can a benign phyllodes tumour turn into cancer over time? It is very rare for a benign phyllodes tumour to transform (change) into a malignant (cancerous) tumour over time and only a few cases have ever been …
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What is invasive ductal carcinoma with apocrine features? Invasive ductal carcinoma with apocrine features is a rare type of breast cancer. Another name for this type of cancer is invasive apocrine carcinoma. Why is the tumour described as having apocrine features? “Apocrine features” means that the tumour is made up of large pink cells that …
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What is sclerosing adenosis? Sclerosing adenosis is a non-cancerous growth made up of small glands in the breast. The glands are surrounded by a type of connective tissue that resembles a scar. When large enough, this type of growth can be seen in imaging studies such as mammography, and a biopsy may be performed to …
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What is secretory carcinoma of the breast? Secretory carcinoma is a rare type of breast cancer characterized by a genetic change involving two genes – ETV6 and NTRK3. A tumour also called secretory carcinoma and sharing the same genetic change can also be found in the salivary glands, thyroid gland and skin. Secretory carcinoma can …
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What is pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH)? Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a non-cancerous growth in the breast. It is made up of specialized cells called myofibroblasts. The growth is called “pseudoangiomatous” (which means “like blood vessels”) because the myofibroblasts form small slit-like spaces that look similar to blood vessels when examined under the microscope. What …
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What is invasive mucinous carcinoma of the breast? Invasive mucinous carcinoma is a type of breast cancer where the tumour cells are surrounded by a thick fluid called mucin. In order to be called mucinous carcinoma, at least 90% of the tumour needs to be made up of mucin. Compared to the more common invasive …
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What is a phyllodes tumour? Phyllodes tumour is a rare type of breast tumour. Most phyllodes tumours will behave like non-cancerous tumours. However, a small number (approximately 10%) will behave like cancer. This behaviour includes the ability to spread through the normal tissue in the breast and to other parts of the body. The entire …
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What is a fibroadenoma? A fibroadenoma is a non-cancerous type of breast tumour the most common breast tumour in women under 40 years old. The tumour is made up of epithelial cells and fibroblasts normally found in the breast. Fibroadenomas are usually round tumours that feel firm to the touch. Their size may change depending …
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What does papillary lesion in the breast mean? Papillary lesion of the breast is a term pathologists use to describe a group of breast tumours that look similar when examined under the microscope. This term includes both non-cancerous tumours and cancers. Papillary lesion is a preliminary diagnosis. Typically, the entire tumour needs to be removed …
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