Symptoms primarily consist of a hard tumor of any size, usually faster growing than fibroadenomas. Phyllodes can become extremely large when left untreated. Usually these tumors appear in only one breast not both at once.
These tumors may be painless or just uncomfortable due to location and the rocklike feeling when pressing against them. In some instances these tumors may cause pain varying from discomfort to severe and debilitating. Infarction (lost blood supply writhing the tumor) is rare but can cause a stabbing, burning, or tearing pain through the chest. In this instance arm movement on the affected side of the body may be limited.