Axillary breast tissue: clinical presentation and surgical treatment

Aberrant breast tissue is usually present along the milk line above or below the normal breast location. Occasionally, it is found in unusual locations, such as the axilla, scapula, thigh, and labia majora. Accessory axillary breast tissue is present in approximately 2% to 6% of women. Although this finding has been reported in a variety of clinical journals, such as Radiology and Human Pathology, it has received little attention in the plastic surgery literature. Axillary breast tissue, presenting as palpable thickenings in the axilla, can undergo monthly premenstrual changes, such as tenderness and swelling, difficulty with shoulder range of motion, and irritation from clothing. These symptoms may be exacerbated and become more apparent during puberty and pregnancy. In addition, it is cosmetically unsightful, and consequently, patients often desire surgery for improvement. We present a study of 28 patients who underwent surgical removal of their axillary breast tissue. From these successful reports, we recommend that axillary breast tissue should be surgically removed.