The ABCs of accessory breast tissue: basic information every radiologist should know

Area of Science:

• Embryology
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Accessory breast tissue represents residual mammary tissue from embryonic development.
• It occurs in up to 6% of the population, typically along the embryonic "milk lines".

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the prevalence and typical locations of accessory breast tissue.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing accessory breast tissue as a normal variant in radiological imaging.
• To inform radiologists about potential pathologies in accessory breast tissue.

Main Methods:

• Review of embryologic development of breast tissue.
• Analysis of imaging characteristics of accessory breast tissue across various modalities.
• Correlation of imaging findings with known pathologies in normal breast tissue.

Main Results:

• Accessory breast tissue is a common finding, predominantly in the axilla.
• Imaging modalities can visualize accessory breast tissue.
• Pathologic processes observed in normal breast tissue can also manifest in accessory breast tissue.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists need to identify accessory breast tissue as a normal anatomical variant.
• Understanding that accessory breast tissue can develop pathologies similar to normal breast tissue is crucial for accurate diagnosis.