SARCOMAS AND OTHER NON-EPITHELIAL BREAST TUMORS

A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Non-epithelial malignant breast diseases are responsible for about 1% of all breast tumors. The most common primary non-epithelial breast cancers are sarcomas and lymphomas. Among sarcomas, the malignant phyllodes tumor is the most common. The macroscopic aspect of sarcomas shows tissue with a firm consistency, ranging from bronze to gray, with soft, cystic and other hemorrhagic areas. Histologically, these tumors are hypercellular, proliferation in fibroblastic spindles, atypical cells and highly anaplastic of intermediate to high degree. Histological grading is important for treatment and prognosis. Hematogenous dissemination is the most common and the involvement of axillary lymph nodes is not frequent among sarcomas. The most frequent sites of metastasis are the lungs, bones and liver. The treatment for primary breast sarcomas is wide excision with adequate and free margins. Lymphadenectomy is not recommended unless there are clinically suspect lymph nodes. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be considered, but they have an uncertain role.