What is malignant phyllodes breast cancer that Miss India Tripura 2017 Rinky Chakma was battling with?

In a sad round of news coming from the entertainment and fashion industry, former Miss India Tripura 2017 Rinky Chakma has passed away at the young age of 28. The diva fought bravely with the rare form of cancer for two years but succumbed to the disease. She was suffering from malignant phyllodes and was admitted to the hospital on February 22 after one of her lungs almost stopped functioning.

Let us learn more about this disease that is on the rise.

What is malignant phyllodes?

Rinky was suffering from a rare type of breast tumor that originates in the connective tissue (stroma) of the breast. Malignant phyllodes tumor is also known as malignant cystosarcoma phyllodes.

This tumour can happen at any age but is more common in women over 40. According to breastcancer.org, women with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a higher risk of developing phyllodes tumours.

It is an uncommon aggressive breast tumor that arises from the stromal tissue and grow quite fast and can often stretch the skin. While most of the phyllodes tumours are usually firm and painless, some may hurt.

How to identify malignant phyllodes?

Medical experts will make individuals undergo a thorough physical examination, including breast palpation. Mammography and ultrasound can provide initial insights, however MRI's are the most effective.

Your medical expert may also ask you to undergo a surgical biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis.

The few available treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy ( reserved for cases with distant metastasis). Participation in clinical trials may be considered for patients with recurrent or metastatic MPT.

The Miss India winner had taken to Instagram and spoken about her journey, “I was diagnosed with Malignant phyllodes tumor (breast cancer in 2022). After I had my first surgery, it metastasized into my lungs and now in my head (brain tumor). My brain surgery is still pending as it’s already widespread all my right side of my body till my lungs, and it will only be possible if I heal with chemotherapy first with just 30% hope."

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In the past two decades, doctors have noted a significant increase in the incidence of breast cancer among younger women. The main reasons attributed by experts are delay in the age of first pregnancy, lack of breastfeeding, fatty diet and childhood obesity.

Also watch: Know what Deepika Padukone does to maintain her toned and flexible body