Ectopic breast tissue presenting as an enlarging abdominal mass

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Ectopic breast tissue (EBT) is an uncommon condition affecting approximately 6% of the population, predominantly in individuals of Asian descent.
• EBT can occur anywhere along the embryonic "milk-line," with the axilla being the most common site.
• Both benign and malignant conditions can arise from EBT, necessitating thorough evaluation.

Observation:

• A case report details a 33-year-old Indian female with an 8 cm soft tissue mass in the upper left abdominal quadrant, which had recently enlarged.
• Clinical and imaging assessments were non-specific but indicated a non-aggressive nature of the abdominal mass.
• The lesion's location was in the upper left abdominal quadrant.

Findings:

• Ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed the histological diagnosis of ectopic breast tissue (EBT).
• The imaging characteristics of the abdominal mass were non-specific.
• The lesion exhibited non-aggressive behavior.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of integrating clinical, radiological, and histological findings for indeterminate soft-tissue tumors.
• Ectopic breast tissue (EBT) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue lesions near the native breasts, including abdominal presentations.
• Accurate diagnosis of EBT is vital to exclude malignancy and guide appropriate patient management.