| phyllode | <plant biology> A leaf whose blade is much reduced or absent, and whose petiole and rachis have assumed the functions of the whole leaf. Compare: cladode. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| phyllodes tumour | A variant of mammary fibroadenoma, usually of large size, with an unusually cellular, sarcoma-like stroma. It is partially epithelial and partially nonepithelial. It is both common and usually benign, although it has been known to metastasize. It may achieve great size and sometimes invades adjacent breast tissue. A phyllodes tumour is best handled by local excision with a rim of breast tissue. (12 Dec 1998) |