Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
13:35
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
[Breast cancer in an accessory breast]
Mirelle E E Bröker1, Joost A Bekken, Michel M P J Reijnen
1Erasmus MC, afd. Chirurgie, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. m.broker@erasmusmc.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|October 20, 2011
Summary
Breast cancer can rarely occur in ectopic breast tissue, such as an accessory breast. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Ectopic breast tissue presents as accessory breast (polymastia) or aberrant breast tissue.
- Malignancies, including breast cancer, can rarely develop in ectopic breast tissue.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old woman presented with a palpable mass near an accessory nipple.
- Initial examinations suggested a benign tumor, but pathology confirmed breast cancer post-excision.
Findings:
- Cancer in accessory breast tissue is often diagnosed at a later stage due to atypical location.
- Increased risk of skin/tissue invasion and altered lymphatic drainage in ectopic breast cancers.
- Sentinel lymph node procedures require consideration of unique lymphatic pathways.
- Metastases may occur in the ipsilateral breast, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Implications:
- Treatment strategies for ectopic breast cancer must account for its unique anatomical and pathological characteristics.
- Awareness of potential late diagnosis and altered presentation is vital for clinicians.
- Further research into optimal management protocols for ectopic breast cancer is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to produce and transport sperm. The epididymis, vasa deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra are the accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation. These ducts play a critical role in the production and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
01:31Accessory Organs
Accessory organs are those that participate in the digestion of food but do not come into direct contact with it like the mouth, stomach, or intestine do. Accessory organs secrete enzymes into the digestive tract to facilitate the breakdown of food.
01:12The Mammary Glands
The female breast is a hemispheric projection of variable size positioned anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. A fascia layer composed of dense, irregular connective tissue connects it to these muscles.
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
01:21Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles
The Role of Accessory Muscles in the Respiratory System
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...