Giant breast tumors: A case series of six patients management

Background

Giant breast tumors are rare and heterogeneous, encompassing various histological subtypes with different clinical behaviors. Their management remains challenging due to diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainties.

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation, histopathological features, treatment strategies, and outcomes of six cases of giant breast tumors managed at a tertiary care hospital in Morocco.

Methods

This retrospective case series includes six female patients diagnosed with giant breast tumors between 2018 and 2023 at the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of CHU Mohammed VI, Oujda. Data were collected from clinical records, imaging, pathology reports, and follow-up evaluations.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 36 years (range 23–45). Four patients had phyllodes tumors (1 benign, 1 borderline, 2 malignant), one patient had a primary breast angiosarcoma, and one had squamous cell carcinoma. All patients underwent mastectomy, with axillary dissection in three cases. Radiotherapy was administered in three cases. Two patients developed metastases: one hepatic and one pulmonary. One patient died within two years.

Conclusion

Giant breast tumors are rare but potentially aggressive. Phyllodes tumors may recur or progress histologically. Angiosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma are associated with poor prognosis. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, while the role of adjuvant therapy remains to be clarified.